ALL 


ATHORN  IN  THE  FLESH 


HILTON   HALL 


OR 


A  THORN  IN  THE  FLESH. 


A    NOVEL 


LOUISE    DUBOIS, 


"  Love  is  indestructible  : 

Its  holy  flame  for  ever  burneth ; 

From  heaven  it  came,  to  heaven  returneth." 


GEO.  Q.  CANNON  &  SONS  CO.,  PRINTERS, 
SALT  LAKE  CITY,  UTAH. 
i8gS. 


COPYRIGHTED  DECEMBER,  1897. 


To    *   «    * 

iv]R5.  JOHN  TOnPKINS 

•   •  • 

Whose  friendship  through  years  of  storm  and  sorrow 
never  wavered,  this  book  is  affectionately  dedicated  by  the 
author. 


2043290 


PREEACE. 


A  NUMBER  of  Eastern  friends  have  said,  "Why 
don't  you  write  a  book?" 

Much  has  been  written  of  the  Eastern  girls 
marrying  and  coming  to  the  "Wild  West."  This 
little  book  tells  of  a  Western  girl  who  married  in 
the  "cultured  East,"  was  thrust  into  poverty, 
deserted  by  friends,  yet  maintained  her  integrity 
of  character,  and  did  not  starve.  Now  being  a 
convenient  season,  it  will  be  published. 

The  author  does  not  claim  for  it  the  nicely 
rounded  periods  of  the  rhetorician. 

THE  AUTHOR. 
SALT  LAKE  CITY, 

January,  1898. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. — "Betray  the  Trust  of  Another,  and  Beware 

Ever  after  Lest  Your  Own  be  Betrayed 9 

CHAPTER  II. — The  Cottage »••••••* •/. •/     T3 

CHAPTER  III.-HmJ^H^.^.^^^^  ^ 

CHAPTER  IV. — The  Dinner 20 

CHAPTER  V. — The  Duel 28 

CHAPTER  VI. — After  Dinner  Calls 35 

CHAPTER  VII. — Kate  Silverton 40 

CHAPTER  VIII. — Unexpected  Visits 46 

CHAPTER  IX. — Going  Home 55 

CHAPTER  X. — Rejected 59 

CHAPTER  XL— Hilton  Hall  63 

CHAPTER  XII.— Hilton  is  Persistent  67 

CHAPTER  XIII. — 71 

CHAPTER  XIV. — The  Journey 79 

CHAPTER  XV. — San  Francisco 87 

CHAPTER  XVI. — The  Marriage  93 

CHAPTER  XVII.— At  School 100 

CHAPTER  XVIII.— The  Voyage.— 1867 108 

CHAPTER  XIX. — The  Surprise 114 

CHAPTER  XX. — New  York  City 122 


Vll  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XXI. — Jersey 132 

CHAPTER  XXII. — At  Home 142 

CHAPTER  XXIII. — Going  to  the  Western  Home 149 

CHAPTER  XXIV. — Richmond 157 

CHAPTER  XXV. — White  Sulphur  Springs,  Va 166 

CHAPTER   XXVI — Michigan  178 

CHAPTER  XXVII. — Francis  Clive  189 

CHAPTER  XXVIII.— Salt  Lake  City 196 

CHAPTER  XIX.— Bonoacnrir: . . .  (f^jLJktydy. 202 

CHAPTER  XXX 209 

CHAPTER  XXXI. — Bingen  on  the  Rhine 215 

CHAPTER  XXXII.— North  Parma  227 

CHAPTER  XXXIII.— Going  to  New  Hampshire 230 

CHAPTER  XXXIV.— Concord 239 

CHAPTER  XXXV 245 

CHAPTER  XXXVI.— Robb  Cottage  at  North  Parma...     252 

CHAPTER  XXXVII.— The  Clive  Residence 263 

CHAPTER  XXXVIII.— Laconia 280 

CONCLUSION  3°3 


HILTON  HALL 

«    OR    « 

A  THORN  IN  THE  FLESH. 


CHAPTER  I. 


"Betrav  the  trust  of  ftnotner,  and  Beware  Everafter, 
Lest  vour  own  be  Betraved." 

A  BEAUTIFUL  sunny  afternoon  in  May,  such  a 
repose  in  nature,  as  Aunt  Presendia,  used  to  call 
"Enchanted  slumber  in  the  chambers  of  the 
Lord." 

In  this  far  away  Western  city,  one  forgot  the 
humble  cottages,  in  looking  at  the  sublime 
scenery  of  which  Omnipotence  has  been  most 
lavish.  A  lovely  valley,  encircled  like  an  ampi- 
theatre,  by  the  mountains.  On  the  east  the 
Wasatch  range,  snow  capped  and  green  at  the 
base,  on  the  north,  Ensign  the  sugar  loaf,  which 
was  the  delight  of  the  children,  risking  the 
mountain  lion,  and  many  dangers  encountered  on 
the  road  that  leads  to  this  noted  eminence.  As 


10  HILTON   HALL. 

upon  reaching  the  top,  they  had  fine  views  of  the 
islands  in  the  beautiful  inland  Sea,  to  the  south 
the  Oquirrh  range,  to  the  north,  settlements  are 
plainly  to  be  seen.  Poor  youngsters,  what  tran- 
quil, innocent,  joyous  days  which  had  so  little  in 
them,  yet  so  much  of  bright  days.  Where  the 
birds  sang  in  the  old  oak  trees,  and  the  rushing 
torrents  made  music  for  them.  Wherever  they 
roamed  the  people  bade  them  welcome.  Then 
as  the  sun  went  down,  the  sky  took  on  the  hues 
of  rose,  amber  and  gold;  the  mountain  snows 
pierced  the  limitless  horizon,  while  on  the  breeze 
came  the  perfume  of  the  wild  rose. 

Salt  Lake  City  which  is  laid  off  in  ten  acre 
squares,  each  house  surrounded  by  garden  and 
orchard,  the  latter  in  blossom,  nothing  can 
rival  the  cleanliness  of  this  city.  Through  the 
principal  street  runs  a  large  stream  of  water, 
from  which  are  turned  many  bubbling  brooks 
that  the  waters  may  refresh  and  fertilize  the 
earth,  and  ensure  the  people  their  harvest. 

Sitting  where  the  sun's  rays  came  soft,  warm 
and  rose-hued  upon  the  porch  of  the  one  hotel  in 
the  city,  were  two  men;  a  striking  contrast 
between  the  pair.  One,  men  called  handsome,  a 
spendid,  generous  fellow,  a  haughty  independent 
manner,  tall,  fair  skinned,  chestnut  brown  hair 
streaked  with  gray  half  curling  over  a  bald  spot 
on  top  of  his  head,  blue  eyes  of  a  dreamy  mes- 
meric influence,  rather  a  pleasing  spirited  con- 


HILTON   HALL.  11 

tour  of  feature,  he  seemed  a  universal  favorite; 
but  a  keen  observer  would  notice  that  while  the 
eyes  at  times  would  light  up  the  face  with  soul 
light,  he  oftener  had  a  sinister  expression,  and 
did  not  look  you  square  in  the  face;  while  to  his 
friends  he  was  courteous,  genial,  conscious  of 
self  power;  to  strangers  he  was  haughty  and 
repellent  and  there  was  a  wicked  ring  to  his 
laugh,  such  a  man  as  children  shrink  from.  The 
other  a  fair  haired,  blue  eyed,  commonplace 
fellow  whom  fortune  had  not  smiled  upon, 
neither  good  looking  nor  air  distingue,  habit- 
ually his  lip  disfigured  by  a  curve  of  scorn  he 
could  but  half  conceal;  he  had  a  fawning, 
familiar  manner  with  wealthy  people  that  would 
make  him  a  study  for  a  life-time. 

Walking  leisurely  along  the  street,  was  a  young 
school  girl,  books  under  her  arm,  her  musings 
apparently  of  an  agreeable  nature,  for  she 
seemed  amused  with  the  many  pleasant  things 
around  her.  She  saw  nothing  of  the  men  whose 
conversation  after  a  long  pause  was  broken  by 
Donnallen  Hilton  exclaiming,  "By  Jove,  Jim,  do 
you  see  that  girl?  The  one  in  the  blue  dress? 
I'd  give  many  a  thousand  to  make  her  acquaint- 
ance. Gad!  but  she  is  fresh  as  a  rose,  and  ha! 
ha!  one  doesn't  need  the  second  glance  to  know 
she  is  unsophisticated.  Says  her  prayers  I'll 
wager,  believes  in  the  human  family;  look  how 


12  HILTON   HALL. 

she  enjoys  life.  How  shall  I  know  her,  for  by 
the  eternal  gods  I'll  have  her!" 

"Why,  name  your  sum,  if  it  suits  I'll  intro- 
duce you.  She  is  the  daughter  of  Dick  Doty, 
and  granddaughter  of  the  old  Judge  who  lives  in 
the  big*  house  yonder.  I  once  met  Dick  when 
the  girl  was  three  months  old;  it  will  be  easy  to 
renew  the  acquaintance.  I  have  respectable 
friends,  eh!" 

"Bring  it  about  Jim  and  the  day  she  is 
married  to  me,  I  will  give  you  $30,000." 

"Married  she  must  be,  for  the  old  Judge's 
slightest  word  and  glance  possesses  a  power  that 
makes  me  tremble  just  to  think  of  it;  and  it 
were  not  well  to  rouse  the  tiger  in  Dick.  By 
heaven  he  would  fight  for  his  cub."  We  leave 
them  conversing  in  low  tones,  earnest  but  inaud- 
able  to  those  near,  while  we  follow  the  girl  to 
her  home  near  the  north  hill. 


HILTON   HALL.  13 


CHAPTER 


The  Cottage. 

"A  cottager,  I  marked  a  throne, 
Of  halt  the  world  as  all  my  own," 

Helen,,  tall,  not  handsome,  but  interesting, 
eyes  blue  gray,  hair,  chestnut  brown,  of  that 
characteristic  shade  that  looks  red  in  the  sun, 
nose  retrousst\  her  rich  complexion  in  spite  of 
healthy  outdoor  life,  was  innocent  of  sunburn  or 
freckles;  between  "rosy  lips,  rows  of  even  teeth 
the  girls  called  pure  pearls;  her  blue  dress  of 
debraze  of  the  fashionable  shade;  she  wore  a 
broad  brimmed  hat,  and  on  her  finger  a  large 
blood  ruby  ring.  She  walked  straight  to  her 
home  at  the  foot  of  the  hill.  An  eight-roomed 
cottage  surrounded  on  two  sides  by  cottonwood 
and  locust  trees,  on  the  other  by  a  fruit  orchard. 
A  few  feet  from  the  front  door  ran  a  large  stream 
of  water,  its  banks  lined  by  wild  rose  bushes. 

Chattering  by  the  water  a  group  of  children, 
inside  the  old  fashioned  house  sits  a  beautiful, 
graceful  woman,  looking  too  young  to  be  the 
mother  of  the  six;  one  ot  those  persons  we  often 
meet  whose  character  we  can  read  at  a  glance. 

She    calls    impatiently    to    the    young    girl    to 


14  HILTON    HALL. 

hush  the  gay  shouts  of  the  lively  children,  as  it 
grated  on  her  nerves.  Looking  up  from  her 
book,  tells  Helen  to  set  the  table,  dust  the  parlor, 
practice  her  music,  then  dress  for  the  evening, 
as  guests  are  expec ted.  Friends  whom  they  once 
met  had  sent  word  they  would  spend  the  evening, 
if  agreeable,  as  the  brother  of  the  family,  Jim  Le 
Grand,  was  on  a  visit  from  Australia  and  desired 
to  see  some  of  their  old  acquaintances. 

Eight  o'clock  ushered  in  Jim  Le  Grand  and 
his  sister  Agatha  Hoag,  a  tall,  lank,  pale  faced, 
white  haired,  pale  blue  eyed  woman,  gentle  lady- 
like manners,  quite  well  educated,  a  leader  in  all 
benevolent  societies,  Relief,  Women's  rights, 
Society  for  Instruction  of  the  Deformed,  preacher 
and  teacher  at  prayer  meeting,  deeply  interested 
in  seeing  that  a  large  majority  of  people  were 
made  immensely  wretched.  She  made  dinners 
for  the  afflicted  and  pointed  to  each  their  mercies 
and  cause  for  thankfulness,  to  the  blind,  how 
much  more  wretched  they  would  be,  if  in  addi- 
tion they  carried  a  broken  back.  During  morning 
hours,  she  taught  penmanship  and  trigonometry. 

Being  introduced  to  the  members  of  the 
family  and  given  a  welcome,  they  asked  Miss 
Helen  for  music.  Le  Grand  said  she  played 
admirably,  Madam  Hoag,  that  her  voice  was  full 
and  sweet,  she  sang  with  taste  and  expression, 
she  was  amazed  at  her  musical  education,  she 
must  consider  herself  worthy  the  praise  when  it 


HILTON   HALL.  15 

was  almost  impossible  to  obtain  music  and 
instruction.  Assuming  an  air  of  frankness,  she 
drew  near  the  fire,  for  though  it  was  spring,  the 
weather  was  cold  in  the  evenings  and  the  cheerful 
blaze  a  comfort;  and  with  fair  smile  and  decep- 
tive wiles  drew  Madam  Doty  out  upon  her  home 
affairs,  her  interesting  brood;  she  hoped  she 
would  not  think  she  felt  superior  to  her  in  any 
way;  she  knew  her  when  she  married  so  young, 
it  would  give  her  pleasure  to  advise,  and  consider 
her  a  protege.  Then  getting  the  affair  en  train, 
she  mentioned  from  pure  disinterestedness  of 
heart  the  budding  charms  of  Helen;  she  was 
beautiful  and  with  her  accomplishments  might 
marry  anyone  she  chose.  While  she  might  have 
the  disposition  fitting  her  to  make  a  gentle, 
loving  wife,  she  would  advise  careful  watching; 
not  allowing  independent  thought  or  action,  she 
was  oldest  of  six,  four  of  them  girls  and  love  must 
not  be  allowed  to  interfere  with  a  brilliant  matri- 
monial alliance;  upon  her  would  rest  the  fate  of  the 
others.  Should  she  make  a  misalliance,  the 
others  would  follow;  it  would  be  well,  now  she 
was  approaching  womanhood  to  surround  herself 
with  agreeable  people,  for  Helen  was  a  girl  who 
would  draw  a  circle  of  friends  around  her,  to  so 
maneuver  as  not  to  have  her  make  the  acquaint- 
ance of  young  men.  A  man  whose  habits  were 
formed,  whose  executive  ability  was  well  estab 
lished  would  be  the  match,  always  providing  he 


16  HILTON   HALL. 

had  a  handsome  bank  account.  She  must  think 
how  those  white  fingers  accustomed  to  play  the 
piano,  and  do  fine  needlework,  would  look,  play- 
ing upon  a  washing  board,  and  carrying  dirty, 
ragged  children;  then  remain  firm  in  her  deter- 
mination to  marry  her  well. 

Supper  being  called,  this  matrimonial  tete-£- 
t£te  ended;  but  this  verdant,  beautiful  woman 
was  fascinated,  and  in  her  the  conversation  was 
calculated  to  awaken  very  serious  reflections. 

When  the  company  were  seated  around  the 
table  talking  and  eating,  Madam  Hoag  said,  "The 
supper  is  splendid,  an  unexpected  pleasure. 
We  remarked  at  our  tea,  If  Mr.  Doty  had  not 
changed,  we  would  have  supper,  as  he  always 
ended  a  pleasant  evening,  with  delicious  re- 
freshments." 

After  mutual  exchanges  of  civility  and  wishing 
to  continue  the  acquaintance  after  so  many  years, 
with  gentleness  saying,  they  must  not  anticipate 
the  splendor  with  which  she  was  wont  to  enter- 
tain. Laying  claim  to  their  everlasting  grati- 
tude, with  subtle  design  she  cast  over  that  home 
a  pall  that  was  to  shadow  the  future  lives  of 
those  children. 


HILTON   HALL.  17 


CHAPTER  III. 

*  D 

~ 


"The  whitewashed  wall,  the  nicely  sanded  floor, 
The  varnished  clock  that  click'd  behind  the  door." 

A  charming,  delightful  spot  on  the  banks  of 
the  Winnipisoegee  river,  is  the  little  hamlet  of 
the  Bridge.  On  the  crest  ot  the  hill,  near  the 
outskirts  of  the  hamlet,  stands  the  three  roomed 
cottage  of  the  blacksmith.  His  family,  a  wife, 
two  sons  and  a  daughter,  Edward,  Donnallen  and 
Mary  Hilton.  The  house  contained  a  sitting- 
room,  furnished  with  chairs,  centre  table,  small 
mirror,  fireplace  adorned  with  ferns  and  cattails 
upon  mantle,  two  brass  candlesticks  and  snuffers, 
sanded  floor. 

Bedroom,  a  rag  carpet,  tiny  foot  rest,  chairs 
and  bureau. 

Kitchen,  a  shed  at  the  back,  whitewashed  and 
sanded  floor,  kept  spotlessly  clean  by  Donnallen, 
the  youngest  boy.  Above  the  front  rooms,  an  un- 
finished garret,  furnished  with  a  bed  in  one  corner 
for  the  boys,  opposite  a  bed  for  Mary,  the  third 
contained  the  bed  used  for  an  occasional  guest, 
while  the  fourth  was  the  stairs,  which  were  of 
rude  board  with  the  banister  being  formed  by  a 


18  HILTON   HALL. 

smooth  piece  of  timber  laid  across,  so  one  would 
not  walk  off  as  they  came  near  the  stair. 

Their  meals  were  substantial  of  such  fruit  and 
vegetables  as  grew  on  the  premises.  Dinner  of 
fish  or  fowl,  with  vegetables  and  fruit,  the  supper 
always  for  father,  of  baked  potatoes  and  butter- 
milk, sometimes  the  boys  were  allowed  a  potato, 
though  usually  their  meal  was  of  milk.  Their  little 
farm  was  well  tilled,  that  with  the  sugar  bush, 
added  to  the  income  of  the  blacksmith. 

The  outdoor  premises  were  equally  clean, 
Donnallen  milked  the  cows,  curried  the  horse, 
scoured  the  copper  boilers,  sanded  the  floors, 
helped  on  the  farm  and  assisted  mother  indoors. 
They  lived  frugally,  as  the  mother  wished  to 
keep  up  the  old  custom  of  saving  something  to 
start  the  children  in  life.  So  Donnallen  was  a 
happy  barefoot  boy,  each  day  of  his  life  much  the 
same  as  the  last,  his  most  intimate  friend  Bill 
Adams.  The  villagers  called  them,  "the  two 
meanest  rascals  that  ever  lived,  born  to  hang, 
they  led  all  the  mischief,  were  always  successful 
in  escaping  detection." 

One  day  the  Judge  of  the  village,  purchased  a 
phaeton,  showed  it  with  pride  to  his  friends, 
next  morning  he  found  it  in  the  pond,  full  to  the 
top  with  mud.  He  well  knew  where  the  blame 
lay,  "But  not  proven,"  was  the  verdict. 

Donnallen  was  frivolous  and  indomitable,  a 
defect  ascribed  to  his  father's  indulgence,  as  he 


HILTON    HALL.  19 

was  industrious.  He  never  studied.  Bill  was 
the  scholar,  working  for  him  all  his  examples, 
and  whispering  to  him  his  grammar,  only  at  the 
last  day  of  school  would  his  idleness  be  known. 
When  the  master  would  say  "Donnallen,  you 
lazy  rascal,  you  need  not  speak  your  usual  piece. 
You  may  listen. " 

"What  shall  I  do,  Bill?" 

"Never  mind,  look  intelligent,  laugh  and  weep 
with  the  company,  they  will  never  guess." 

So  it  was  said,  what  a  handsome  boy,  how 
intelligent,  with  what  zest  he  entered  into  all 
that  was  done.  Wonder  why  he  did  not  take 
part.  Perhaps  his  greater  genius,  would  o'er 
shadow  the  rest,  so  he  was  a  favorite.  One  day 
quite  an  event  occurred.  He  went  with  his  father 
to  New  York  City,  returned  via  Canal  to 
Niagara. 

On  returning  home  he  became  the  hero  of  the 
village  astonishing  the  boys  and  girls  with  the 
wonders  he  had  seen.  He  grew  to  manhood, 
strong  and  healthy,  tenacious  of  his  own  and 
Bill's  opinion.  Attached  to  his  home  and  play- 
mates, especially  the  girls  he  considered  "Que 
son  incomparables  por  su  vizeza  y  su  atractivo. " 
He  thought  it  no  trouble  to  do  a  service  for  those 
he  loved,  but  nothing  would  induce  him  to  be 
kind  or  considerate  to  those  outside  his  circle, 
did  not  respect  old  age  or  weakness,  he  main- 
tained an  intense  hatred  to  one  who  offended 


20  HILTON   HALL. 

him,  would  never  rest  until  he  had  retaliated  in 
some  form. 

So  time  passed,  when  one  gorgeous  September 
day,  old  man  Hilton  said,  "Donnallen,  my  son, 
today  you  are  twenty-one,  your  mother  and  I  have 
saved  one  thousand  dollars,  take  it,  go  out  into 
the  world,  and  get  rich;  and  when  you  have 
gained  riches,  seem  generous,  the  world  will  do 
the  rest.  Rich  and  generous  make  a  man.  You 
must  spend  a  little  freely  at  first,  until  you  gain 
a  reputation,  then  it  won't  matter.  God  bless 
you,  my  boy,  and  never  let  me  hear,  that  having 
undertaken  anything,  you  faltered." 

So  with  his  young  friends  wishing  him  Bon 
voyage,  he  started  on  his  journey. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


THE  DINNER. 
Small  cheer  and  great  welcome  make  a  merry  feast. 

Shakes. 

He  spake  of  love,  such  love  as  spirits  feel 
In  worlds  whose  course  is  equable  and  pure; 
No  fears  to  beat  away, — no  strife  to  heal, — 
The  past  unsighed  for,  and  the  future  sure. 

Wordsworth. 

Punctual  to  his  promise,  on  the  seventh,  Le 
Grand  sent  pretty  Kate  Ivins  to  the  cottage,  with 
invitation  for  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Doty  and  Helen, 


HILTON  HALL.  21 

especially  Miss  Helen,  to  dine  at  his  sister's  Mrs. 
Hoag's,  on  the  eleventh,  as  they  wished  to  intro- 
duce a  wealthy  bachelor  friend  from  New  York 
City,  to  some  of  the  ladies  of  Utah.  Kate  had 
entered  with  zest  into  all  the  arrangements  of  the 
dinner,  saying,  "It  was  set  for  the  eleventh,  so 
we  girls  could  come,  being  free  from  school." 
Said  she,  "In  manner  and  dress  we  must  be  as 
attractive  as  possible,  as  this  man  was  accus- 
tomed to  the  gay,  and  brilliant  society  of  New 
York  City,  and  expected  nothing  sparkling  in 
wit,  nor  graceful  in  manner,  from  those  living 
isolated  as  we  were,  a  thousand  miles  from 
civilization. " 

She  was  a  coquette  and  proposed  that  we 
should  simply  dazzle  him. 

Friday  came,  Le  Grand  and  Madam  Hoag 
had  done  all  in  their  power  to  make  their  enter- 
tainment brilliant  and  recherche.  The  rooms 
were  gracefully  decorated  with  flowers,  and  only 
such  as  were  most  social,  agreeable,  refined  and 
rich,  had  been  selected  to  throw  their  charming 
influence  around  their  home. 

Among  the  gentlemen  was  Judge  Moss,  always 
ready  for  amusement,  brilliant  in  conversation, 
famous  for  his  nicely  rounded  periods,  a  wel- 
comed guest  in  the  most  select  circles.  His 
wife,  beautiful  and  accomplished,  with  all  the 
characteristics  of  the  high  bred  woman,  was  no 
dim  light,  beside  her  gay  and  handsome  hus- 


22  HILTON   HALL. 

band.  Judge  Ivins,  usually  grave  and  earnest, 
when  with  the  young  people,  dropped  his  ordi- 
nary manner,  and  revealed  a  joyous,  impulsive 
soul,  when  the  gems  of  his  mind  flashed  to  the 
surface,  his  beautiful  wife,  a  universal  favorite, 
each  were  born  in  a  splendid  home,  of  the 
kindest  parents — surrounded  by  every  luxury  and 
refinement;  between  them  was  perfect  commu- 
nion and  sympathy;  they  entered  heart  and  soul 
into  all  the  joys  of  their  daughter  and  her 
friends. 

I  will  mention  only  a  few  of  the  friends  that 
thronged  the  reception-room  of  Madam  Hoag. 
Queenly  Madam  Taylor,  the  destingue  Rachel 
Gray,  Mittie  Ivins,  full  of  vivacity  and  of  pre- 
possessing appearance. 

Subdued  Clair  Brown,  with  bright  blue  eyes, 
golden  hair,  pink  and  white  complexion;  whose 
every  desire  was  to  live,  breathe  and  move  as 
mamma  said,  whose  smile  was  never  permitted 
to  broaden  into  a  laugh,  was  admired  for  her 
gentle,  modest  reserve,  dressed  extremely  plain. 
Mamma  always  said,  "Beauty  unadorned  was 
adorned  the  most." 

The  gay  sparkling  Kate  Ivins,  who  had 
donned  mamma's  best  brocade,  a  costly  dress, 
that  had  been  worn  in  the  most  elegant  drawing- 
rooms  of  New  York  City;  her  neck  and  arms 
adorned  with  jewels,  a  rose  in  her  hair,  she 
looked  really  fascinating,  and  remarked,  "The 


HILTON   HALL.  23 

bachelor  would  never  think  of  the    retirement   in 
which  her  days  had  passed." 

The  attractive  Helen,  as  she  was  called,  in  a 
costume  of  blue  silk,  hair  braided  in  plaits, 
looked  at  least,  not  like  the  rest. 

Then  came  the  hero  of  the  party,  Donnallen 
Hilton.  Madam  Hoag  approached  him,  both 
hands  extended  giving  a  gracious  welcome, 
"Ladies  and  gentlemen,  allow  me  to  make  you 
acquainted  with  Mr.  Hilton,  of  New  York 
City. 

"Oh,  my!"  exclaimed  Kate,  sotto  voce,  "he  has 
not  done  us  the  honor  to  dress,  but  come  in  his 
travel  stained  clothes.  I  saw  him  when  he  left 
the  stage-coach  upon  his  arrival,  and  vow,  those 
are  the  very  same  clothes,  with  all  his  millions, 
I  don't  think  it  respectful." 

"What  do  you  think  of  him,  Helen?" 

"I  am  not  prepossessed,  he  has  neglected  his 
dress,  is  not  even  clean,  looks  like  an  old  miser; 
yet  he  gazes  upon  the  assembled  company,  as  if 
under  the  conviction  that  he  is  irresistible. 
Although  so  untidy  in  dress,  we  will  suffer,  if  he 
imagines  our  toilets  not  pretty  and  becoming." 

This  conversation  was  interrupted  by  Le 
Grand,  saying,  "Helen,  allow  me  to  introduce 
Donnallen."  He  caught  her  hand  in  a  vise-like 
grasp  and  murmured,  "My  Helen."  Helen  bowed, 
they  passed  on. 

Donnallen  said  in  low  tones,    "Jim,   she  don't 


24  HILTON   HALL. 

like  me,  the  way  she  snatched  her  hand  from 
mine,  was  as  if  it  was  a  hot  skillet." 

Kate  said,  "Mittie  and  Clair,  don't  turn  green 
with  envy,  but  it  was  polite  to  say  the  least,  not 
even  to  glance  at  us." 

"Helen,  of  what  are  you  thinking?" 

"Of  Oliver,  a  boy  much  older  than  I,  who, 
when  I  was  a  tiny  girl,  used  to  tell  me  of  the 
dangers  near  oar  home.  One  day  he  said,  'Babe, 
in  those  wild-rose  bushes,  is  a  sparkling,  beauti- 
ful snake,  of  blue  color,  runs  swift  as  lightning, 
we  boys  have  watched  it;  everything  it  stings 
dies,  so  should  you  see  one,  run;  if  it  is  coming 
toward  you,  run  to  the  right,  or  left,  for  it  must 
turn,  and  stops  still;  thereby  losing  time,  so  you 
may  save  yourself.'  I  saw  one  coming  for  me, 
but  escaped.  When  that  man  took  my  hand  I 
felt  that  same  horror  and  heard  Oliver's  voice 
saying,  'Run  for  your  life,  Babe,  the  sting  of  the 
snake  is  death.'" 

"Well,  well,  well!"  Sang  the  girls  in  chorus. 
"Who  ever  heard  of  anything  so  funny!"  This 
conversation  was  interrupted  by  Madam  Hoag, 
calling  upon  the  young  people  for  music;  she 
was  a  musical  enthusiast  and  imagined  others  as 
fond  of  it  as  she  was;  requesting  Kate  and  Helen 
to  sing  a  duet.  Turning  to  Mr.  Hilton,  she 
quoted  Moore: 

"  'They  tell  me  thou'rt  the  favored  guest 
Of  every  fair  and  brilliant  throng; 


HILTON   HALL.  25- 

No  wit  like  thine  to  wake  the  jest; 

No  voice  like  thine  to  breathe  the  song.'  " 

To  which  he  responded,  he  did  not  sing,  but 
was  fond  of  music.  Alas!  Madam  Hoag  had 
married  a  wealthy  merchant,  had  met  with 
reverses.  She  possessed  romantic  dreams  of  her 
young  days,  and  was  building  castles  of  a  court- 
ship and  grand  marriage  for  Helen;  herself  the 
chaperone  of  the  young  bride,  the  welcome  guest, 
when  she  should  go  to  her  splendid  mansion  in 
New  York  City. 

The  music  was  interrupted  by  a  summons  to 
dinner.  Helen  found  herself  the  only  young  mem- 
ber of  the  party  at  the  table,  and  she  was  seated 
exactly  opposite  to  Mr.  Hilton;  and,  although 
all  the  market  afforded  was  served  in  dainty 
fashion,  nothing  seemed  to  tempt  him  to  eat.  He 
had  no  doubt  dined.  The  soup  he  just  held  to 
his  nostrils,  the  roasts  and  broils  were  delicious, 
he  ate  none,  but  beat  a  tattoo  with  his  fork, 
while  he  chatted. 

After  dinner  the  girls  enquired,  "Helen,  how 
did  he  behave,  how  did  he  eat,  did  he  enjoy  the 
dinner?" 

"His  manners  were  not  those  of  a  prince,  he 
evidently,  at  home,  dines  upon  nightingales 
wings  and  dainty  nothings,  for  he  ate  absolutely 
nothing." 

"Very  well,  then  we  shall  not  starve!" 

While     the    young    people    remained    in    the 


26  HILTON   HALL. 

dining-room,  Mr.  Hilton  remarked  to  those  in 
the  parlor,  "Miss  Helen  is  a  charming  girl,  and 
when  she  is  old  enough  to  marry,  I  shall  come 
for  her,  she  is  the  only  being  I  ever  saw,  whom 
I  thought  I  would  marry."  Later  the  elderly 
people  left;  the  young  people,  Judge  Ivins  and 
wife  and  Mr.  Hilton  remained  for  the  evening. 
Fruit  and  wine  were  served,  Mr.  Hilton  toasting 
"Lovely  fifteen,"  Judge  Ivins,  "The  ladies  of 
fifty."  Mr.  Hilton  assuming  a  superior  air,  told 
them  of  his  home  in  New  York  City.  "I  dare 
say  you  think  this  little  city,  good  enough  for 
anyone  to  live  in,"  to  Helen.  "Are  you  of  the 
Mormon  faith?  Are  girls  ever  permitted  to  marry 
out  of  the  Church?" 

She  informed  him,  "Although  nominally  one  of 
them,  being  born  among  them,  she  had  never 
been  converted,  those  in  the  church  could 
marry,  by  asking  the  consent  of  Brigham  Young, 
thereby  showing  their  good  faith." 

He  replied,  "That  would  be  worse  than  ask- 
ing the  girl,"  which  he  imagined  would  require 
courage.  He  informed  Helen  "her  mother  was  a 
very  beautiful  woman — and  judged  she  resembled 
her  father,  being  fairer  complexioned  than  her 
mother."  (Her  father  was  unable  to  attend). 
He  asked  her,  "If  she  believed  matches  were 
made  in  Heaven?  He  did,  ior  love  was  instan- 
taneous, and  first  love  strongest  and  best,"  with 
an  expression  on  his  face,  supposed  to  be  killing. 


HILTON    HALL.  2T 

At  this  Judge  Ivins  came  to  Helen,  saying, 
"My  dear  child,  I  will  see  my  wife  home,  then 
return  and  escort  you  home,  so  remember  you 
are  engaged." 

Walking  home  he  said,  "Helen,  I  don't  like 
that  fellow.  He  has  announced  his  intentions,  and 
speaks  as  if  he  owned  you.  You  are  too  young 
for  such  things,  beside  he  is  not  good  enough  for 
you." 

"Why  papa,  Helen  will  imagine  you  are 
jealous,  that  he  has  paid  her  more  attention  than 
he  has  me,"  laughed  Mittie. 

"Oh,  no!  I  do  not  like  him,  he  is  repulsive, 
and  beside  his  untidy  dress,  he  impresses  me,  as 
being  extremely  rude;  good  manners  is  one's 
duty.  And  he  being  the  honored  guest  among  so 
many,  with  his  vast  wealth,  his  costume  was 
unpardonable.  You  know  how  immaculate  grand- 
papa is.  No  one,  ever  saw  him  with  soiled  linen 
or  necktie,  no  matter  what  his  work.  So  that 
made  me  observe  his  carelessly  adjusted  garments 
more  closely — in  fact,  most  of  the  men  of  my 
acquaintance  are  faultlessly  neat  in  dress — so  he 
suffered  by  comparison.  I  am  perfectly  heart- 
whole,  and  in  no  danger  from  that  source." 

So  with  mutual  expressions  of  civility,  they 
bade  each  other  good-night. 


28  HILTON   HALL. 


CHAPTER  V. 


THE   DUEL- 

"Tis  sweet  to  behold,  when  the  billows  are  sleeping, 
Some  gay  color'd  bark  moving  gracefully  by; 
No  damp  on  the  deck  but  the  even-tide's  weeping, 
No  breath  in  her  sails  but  the  summer-winds  sigh." 

Moore. 

After  bidding  adieu  to  his  friends,  Donnallen 
spent  several  weeks  with  Edward,  in  New  York 
City — then  set  sail  for  the  West  Indies. 

On  a  beautiful  tropical  evening — the  ocean 
almost  glassy,  we  find  him  on  deck,  seated  under 
an  awning,  watching  the  sun  set  in  mid  ocean, 
feeling  lonely  and  strange,  thinking  of  home  and 
mother.  The  one  redeeming  trait  in  this  man, 
was  love  for  his  mother,  whose  one  fault  must 
have  been  over  fondness  for  her  boy.  But  he 
considered  his  fate  an  enviable  one.  One  thous- 
and dollars  and  the  wide,  wide  world  to  seek 
through,  his  dreams  were  rose-hued  and  his 
determination  was,  at  whatever  cost,  to  make 
them  real.  On  this  voyage,  he  became  intimate 
with  one  Sidney  Gray,  a  notorious  gambler  and 
sport.  He  was  born  of  a  noble  family,  educated 
in  Europe,  was  tall,  well  built,  easy  and  graceful, 
a  fair-haired,  blue  eyed,  handsome  fellow,  but  a 


HILTON   HALL.  29 

keen  observer  would  never  trust  him.  There  was 
at  times  an  evil  light  in  his  eyes,  a  sarcastic, 
cruel  expression  about  the  mouth  that  would 
make  one  shrink  from  him;  but  this  was  only 
flashed  out  at  unguarded  moments.  Usually  he 
was  a  very  prince  in  manners,  and  in  conversa- 
tion refined  and  cultivated. 

The  tones  of  his  voice  were  music,  he  talked 
much  of  his  travels,  he  had  been  around  the 
world,  a  rare  occurrence  those  days,  and  he 
described  what  he  had  seen  in  a  manner  that 
brought  one  near  the  objects.  He  fancied  Don- 
nallen,  they  were  congenial  spirits,  and  he 
instructed  him  in  the  art  of  gambling,  and  the 
trick  of  always  winning.  They  swore  eternal 
friendship,  and  to  share  either  prosperity  or 
adversity.  They  arranged  to  stop  at  Jamaica, 
West  Indies,  a  most  beautiful  place.  It  has  a 
coast  line  ot  500  miles  with  excellent  harbors. 
The  lofty  Blue  Mountains  extend  through  the 
whole  Island,  iu  some  of  its  summits,  to  an 
elevation  of  8,000  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea. 
On  the  north  side  of  the  mountains  the  land 
rises  from  the  shore  into  hills  remarkable  for 
beauty,  being  gentle  slopes,  and  separated  from 
each  other  by  expansive  vales — every  valley  its 
rivulet — and  every  hill  its  cascade. 

Arriving  on  the  Island,  there  ha,d  been  a 
shower,  and  hedges,  trees  and  flowers,  sparkled 
like  millions  of  diamonds.  Sidney  quoted: 


30  HILTON   HALL. 

"There  is  a  fairy  land  where  they  laugh  at  woe, 
And  little  they  reck  of  care." 

While  Donnallen  said  it  was  beautiful  as  home. 

Arriving  at  their  hotel — they  refreshed  them- 
selves with  bath  and  change  of  attire.  Then 
repaired  to  the  parlor,  to  await  the  summons  to 
dinner. 

Sitting  there,  was  one  Harry  Clifford,  a  hand- 
some, brave,  whole-souled  young  man  from 
Boston,  Massachusetts.  He  had  left  home  years 
before  and  sought  his  fortune  in  South  America, 
was  sojourning  on  the  island  for  a  rest,  ere  he 
sailed  for  home. 

Although  strangers,  he  met  Donnallen,  with 
open  arms,  heart  and  purse.  A  warm  friendship 
sprang  up  at  once,  at  least  on  Harry's  part. 

He  was  introduced  to  Sidney,  and  accom- 
panied them  to  the  dining-room,  where  he  told 
them,  while  waiting  to  be  served,  of  his  depar 
ture  from  home,  his  struggles  and  misfortunes 
and  final  success.  How  he  was  returning  home, 
richer  by  far  than  in  his  wildest  dreams  he  ever 
hoped  to  be. 

Sidney  took  the  boys  to  do  the  Island,  Harry 
generously  paying  the  expenses.  He  taught 
them  how  to  whisper  sweet  nothings  in  the  ear 
of  the  bright-eyed  Spanish  beauties.  He  initiated 
them  into  many  ideas  quite  new  to  them,  and 


HILTON   HALL.  31 

was  remonstrated  with  by  Harry,  who  expressed 
himself  shocked  at  their  free  and  easy  way  of 
doing  many  things.  During  his  absence  from 
home,  he  had  been  too  poor  to  do  aught  but 
work  At  home  his  conduct  was  characterized 
by  deep  respect  for  the  girls,  and  his  memory  of 
them  had  become  almost  reverence;  hence  he 
was  a  cavalier  to  all  ladies,  whether  of  high  or 
humble  circumstances. 

One  evening,  the  air  soft  and  mild,  while  in 
yon  blue  vault,  the  silver  moon,  over  mountain 
and  vale,  threw  a  spell  of  beauty.  The  three  men 
proposed  spending  the  evening  at  such  places  of 
amusement  as  the  town  afforded. 

While  walking  along,  Donnallen,  began  to 
consider  what  business,  if  any,  he  should  engage  in. 

Sidney,  laughingly  advised  him  to  drift  awhile, 
no  hurry. 

From  the  moment  Sidney  Gray,  ascertained 
Clifford  had  made  his  fortune  in  South  America, 
and  was  going  to  surprise  his  friends,  he  made 
up  his  mind  what  he  would  do,  but  decided  to 
bide  his  time,  knowing  if  he  gained  an  influence 
over  Donnallen,  he  must  not  let  him  become 
aware  of  it.  Clifford  was  becoming  impatient  to 
start  for  home.  Sidney  Gray,  realized  whatever 
was  to  be,  must  be  done  with  dispatch.  He  of 
late  often  noticed  looks  of  discontent  upon  Don- 
nallen's  face,  and  judged  he  was  weary  of  idle- 
ness and  wished  to  look  about  for  a  chance  to 


32  HILTON   HALL. 

improve  his  fortune.  When  the  two  were  alone, 
after  gazing  at  him  for  sometime,  with  sinister 
expression,  he  with  low  musical  intonations  of 
voice,  proposed  a  conspiracy  expatiating  upon 
the  chance  of  an  expose.  After  listening  to  the 
proposition,  Donnallen,  at  first  unwilling,  began 
to  think  it  not  such  an  unusual  thing,  beside  he 
had  already  learned,  the  greatest  power  was 
money.  Beside  they  two,  were  the  only  ones, 
who  knew  of  the  jewels  and  money  in  Harry's 
possession.  For  at  that  time  a  man's  trunk  or 
pockets  were  his  safe  deposit,  and  he  trusted  to 
no  one  knowing,  to  reach  home  in  safety  with  his 
wealth. 

Donnallen  ended  by  agreeing.  Everything 
conspired  to  bring  it  about.  This  seemingly 
accidental  quarrel.  They  spent  the  evening  at 
the  theatre,  then  at  supper.  Sidney  and  Harry 
began  discussing  the  laws  of  their  country,  Harry 
becoming  heated  with  wine  and  the  argument 
struck  Sidney  in  the  face.  Mr.  Hilton  interfered, 
and  the  parties  separated  for  the  night.  Next 
morning  Sidney  demanded  honorable  satisfaction, 
he  had  been  insulted  and  would  accept  no  apology. 
The  place  specified  in  the  challenge  was  on  the 
south  side  of  the  Blue  Mountains,  on  one  of  the 
abrupt  precipices,  near  the  shore.  Hilton  was 
to  be  his  second.  Pistols  the  weapons,  for 
Sidney,  was  a  dead  shot,  could  snuff  a  candle  at 
twenty  paces.  On  the  other  hand  Harry  was  not 


*  HILTON   HALL.  33 

a£  quick  or  clear  shot;  he  frequently  trembled, 
and  his  gun  was  erring. 

Upon  reading  the  challenge,  their  victim 
looked  distressed,  tried  in  vain  to  imagine  how 
it  all  came  about.  He  had  only  the  friendliest 
feelings  toward  each,  how  could  he  have  reached 
such  an  excited  state  as  to  strike  him.  He  felt 
surprised  and  pained,  but  looked  about  for  a 
surgeon,  and  some  one  to  act  as  friend. 

Riding  horse-back  to  the  place  of  meeting, 
they  all  shook  hands,  the  usual  formula  was  gone 
through,  the  seconds  chose  the  ground,  stepped 
off  the  twenty  paces,  giving  them  the  pistols,  he 
counts,  "One!  two!  three!"  he  commands  "fire." 
two  shots  are  heard — then  the  stillness  was  broken 
by  Sidney,  saying — as  he  stood  gazing  at  his 
opponent,  "Donnallen,  my  friend,  I  don't  believe 
he  is  dead.  I  have  shot  him  one  inch  below 
the  heart." 

"By  Heaven!  Let  us  hurry  away.  It  makes 
me  sick,"  replied  Donnallen,  "he  has  his  second 
and  the  surgeon;  let  us  away  ere  it  be  too  late. 
He  will  die  fast  enough,  we  must  hurry,  it  is 
serious,  might  mean  an  arrest,  would  at  least 
lead  to  a  serious  scandal.  They  could  not  hang 
us  here,  duelling  is  fashionable,  but  should  it 
get  abroad,  this  poor  fellow  has  friends,  who 
might  clear  up  the  mystery  and  our  names  for- 
ever rest  beneath  a  cloud." 

"It  certainly  would  not  be  pleasant,   to    have 


34  HILTON   HALL.  ^ 

sentimental  people  accuse  us  of  murder,"  said 
Sidney,  with  his  blandest  smile.  "But  absurd  I 
It  was  only  natural  after  the  insult,  we  should 
have  challenged  him,  the  true  history  of  it  will 
never  be  known — unless  we  tell  it." 

Donnallen  colored,  saying,  "It  is  my  fault,  I 
know,  but  I  can  never  forget  the  circumstances 
of  this  morning,  never." 

Harry  died  from  his  wounds  and  they  buried 
him  on  the  south  side  of  the  Blue  Mountains  on 
a  bold  cliff  near  the  shore,  where  the  ocean 
sighs  a  requiem  forever.  They  divided  the 
money  and  jewels  between  them,  and  decided  to 
leave  this  genial  clime  and  try  to  tranquilize 
their  troubled  minds  by  finding  new  friends  and 
pleasures.  So  they  hurried  away  to  Havana, 
Cuba,  where  they  engaged  in  the  liquor  and  cigar 
traffic.  Did  they  prosper?  Yes,  only  in  novels 
do  the  wicked  people  reap  the  fruit  of  evil  doing. 
Most  wicked  men  flourish.  "Until  the  last  great 
day,  when  no  secrets  are  hid."  And  they  coined 
money. 

With  Donnallen,  for  a  time  the  duel  was 
like  a  cankerworm,  blighting  and  destroying  his 
peace;  but  not  for  long,  as  his  heart  was  very 
elastic  and  he  was  by  constitution  constant  to 
nothing  long.  Knowing  this,  Sidney  decided  he 
should  never  turn  Judas  to  him,  so  he  was  cafe- 
ful  to  cater  to  his  taste,  and  seemingly  to  indulge 
him,  while  in  reality,  he  made  a  tool  of  him. 


HILTON    HALL.  35 

What  became  of  the  diamonds  falling  to  Sidney's 
share,  your  "scribe"  never  knew,  but  we  will 
follow  those  falling  to  Donnallen  Hilton.  There 
is  a  pretty  story,  that  diamonds  are  talismanic, 
and  when  you  are  wearing  them,  and  an  enemy 
approaches,  they  become  very  dull.  'Tis  not 
true.  The  diamonds  sparkled  as  cold  and  bril- 
liant on  the  neck,  arms  and  fingers,  of  the 
various  people  who  wore  them,  as  if  worn  by 
Harry's  sister  or  destined  bride,  or  as  do  the 
moon  and  star  jewels,  on  the  blue  of  the  even- 
icg  sky,  twinkle  and  scintillate  over  the  grave  of 
Harry  Clifford,  on  the  island  of  Jamaica. 

Donnallen  now  leaves  Sidney  Gray  to  look 
after  their  interests  in  Cuba.  While  he  sails  for 
beautiful,  beautiful  California. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


DINNER  CALLS. 

Gold!     Gold!     Gold!     Gold! 
Bright  and  yellow,  hard  and  cold. 

Wood. 

The  following  Saturday,  Helen  being  free 
from  school,  in  company  with  her  mother,  paid 
their  party  call.  Madam  Hoag,  met  them  with 
the  softest  words  and  her  blandest  s'mile.  Said 
she  had  been  impatient  for  their  call,  as  she 
had  a  letter  from  her  guest,  who  left  for  New 


36  HILTON   HALL. 

York  City  the  next  day  after  the  dinner,  en 
route  had  written  her  a  line  to  express  his 
pleasure  for  the  kindness  she  had  shown  him; 
also  to  send  a  message  to  Miss  Helen — turning 
to  whom  she  said,  "I  suppose  we  shall  soon  be 
losing  you.  Mr.  Hilton  will  soon  fulfill  his  vow, 
and  be  running  away  with  you;  then  how  you 
will  be  surrounded  by  friends  and  splendors,  he 
has  such  fabulous  wealth,  and  is  so  generous.  I 
would  be  afraid  to  tell  you  how  much  he  gave 
me,  and  how  delicately  it  was  done,  when  he 
ascertained  my  circumstances." 

Helen  said,  "I  have  not  thought  of  leaving 
home,  nor  of  this  nice  friend  of  yours.  I  have 
heard  it  said,  'All  is  not  gold  that  glitters,' 
beside  when  I  reach  a  proper  age,  no  doubt  I 
will  be  able  to  give  an  answer  to  a  proposal 
without  the  meddling  of  self  interested  acquaint- 
ances." 

"Do  you,  indeed!"  retorted  the  old  lady. 
"The  poor  fellow  is  much  in  love,  and  asked  me 
to  intercede  for  him,  with  your  mother.  Many  a 
young  girl  would  be  wild  with  delight  at  the 
compliments  this  gentleman  has  paid  you,  while 
you  treat  him  with  contempt.  No  lady  has  the 
right  to  resent  an  honorable  proposal,  it  as  the 
greatest  compliment  a  man  can  pay  you. 

"Mrs.  Doty,  do  you  not  think  a  mother  is  the 
proper  person  to  decide  whether  a  daughter  shall 
reject,  or  accept  a  man?" 


HILTON   HALL.  37 

it, 

Mrs.  Doty  replied,  "No  daughter  of  mine 
would  accept  a  proposal  without  my  approval,  but 
as  for  this  man  Hilton,  do  you  know  him  well? 
He  to  me  in  dress  and  manners  appeared  more 
like  a  married  man,  than  a  bachelor." 

"He  is  a  confirmed  old  bachelor,  and  nothing 
could  induce  him  to  change  his  habits,  so  he 
told  James,  and  I  asked  him  if  he  had  ever 
thought  of  marriage,  but  I  fear  Miss  Helen  has 
made  him  change  his  mind."  Read  this: 

"EVANSTON,  WYOMING,  May  15th,  1860. 

"DEAR  MADAM  HOAG. — We  have  got  so  far  on 
our  journey  very  comfortable,  as  the  stage-coach 
is  not  crowded. 

"We  got  off  that  night,  without  anyone  know- 
ing what  we  had  in  the  box. 

"I  was  sure  you  would  be  glad  to  hear  how  we 
was,  we  did  not  feel  cold  a  bit  as  you  feared  we 
would,  for  I  had  coats,  rugs  and  robes  enough  to 
smother  me.  I  expect  Le  Grand  got  off  all 
right,  hope  he  will  reach  home  all  safe,  as  of 
course  he  will — good  boy  he  is.  I  have  thought 
of  you  all  often — and  especially  of  the  girl  in  the 
blue  dress.  I  send  kind  regards  to  her  and  all 
the  rest  of  the  friends,  and  be  sure  when  I  hear 
people  mention  the  ladies  of  Utah,  I  shall  tell 
them  they  are  ladies  indeed,  for  I  have  met 
them. 

"Write  to  me,  Cedar  Street,  New  York  City." 


38  HILTON   HALL   . 

* 

It  was  signed  Donnallen  Hilton.  The  envelope 
was  sealed  with  his  initials." 

"Now,"  said  Madam  to  Helen,  "just  look  at 
your  future.  That  box  contained  one  hundred 
thousand  dollars,  the  fruit  of  his  business  trans- 
actions in  one  week." 

Helen  replied  indignantly,  "You  seem  to 
interest  yourself  much  in  my  future,  I  cannot 
understand  it.  However,  I  suppose  you  mean 
well;  the  letter  is  dreadfully  written,  it  is  with 
difficulty  I  can  read  it;  also  it  is  not  elegantly 
expressed  nor  well  spelled. 

"You  all  seem  to  lay  much  stress  upon  his 
money,  while  much  to  be  desired,  it  does  not 
make  the  man.  Papa  has  friends  who  have  been 
rich  for  generations  and  I  never  heard  them  men- 
tion the  subject." 

Madam  Hoag  saw  nothing  in  him  that  was 
not  the  gentleman.  "He  wishes  to  become  better 
acquainted  with  you,  and  a  cordial  friend  of  the 
family;  were  he  a  vain,  senseless  fop,  how  quickly 
you  would  fancy  him,"  said  this  artful  intrigu- 
ing woman. 

Helen  responded  with  some  spirit,  "It  is 
very  good  of  you  to  wish  so  much  for  me,  I 
should  feel  deeply  grateful  to  you.  In  the  future 
will  say  nothing  of  my  own  feelings,  because  it 
would  be  taking  advantage  of  your  generosity 
and  kindness;  of  course  there  being  such  a  great 
difference  in  our  ages,  you  are  so  sharp  and  far 


HILTON   HALL.  39 

seeing,  you  are  the  better  judge  of  the  sincerity 
as  to  what  he  says,  and  as  to  his  being  the 
generous,  noble  man  he  represents  himself  to  be." 

Mrs.  Doty  laughingly  remarked,  "Mr.  Hilton, 
will  no  doubt  soon  forget  his  visit  to  Utah,  it 
is  quite  common  for  gentlemen  to  pay  those 
compliments  to  ladies,  and  in  an  active,  busy 
career,  the  most  constant  will  forget;  their  minds 
become  filled  with  the  scenes  passing  around 
them,  and  unless  business  should  again  call  him 
here,  we  probably  will  never  hear  of  him  again." 
All  the  time  it  was  evident  there  had  entered 
her  heart  a  hope  that  in  this  man,  of  whose 
wealth,  generosity  and  business  talents  she  had 
heard  so  much,  her  daughter  might  one  day  find 
a  protector. 

Expressing  to  Madam  Hoag  the  pleasure  she 
had  at  the  entertainment;  also  regret  that  busi- 
ness engagements  had  prevented  her  husband 
accepting  her  invitation  to  the  dinner,  she 
invited  her  to  come  to  her  home  often  as  agree- 
able; also  to  give  her  compliments  to  the  gentle- 
man, when  she  replied  to  his  note. 


40  HILTON   HALL. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


K7TTC  5ILVCRTON. 

"There  was  but  one  beloved  face  on  earth, 
And  that  was  shining  on  him;  he  had  look'd 
Upon  it  till  it  could  not  pass  away; 
He  had  no  breath,  no  being,  but  in  hers; 
She  was  his  voice,  he  did  not  speak  to  her, 
But  trembled  on  her  words;  she  was  his  sight, 
For  his  eyes  followed  her's,  and  saw  with  her's, 
Which  color 'd  all  his  objects — he  had  ceased 
To  live  within  himself;  she  was  his  life." 

Byron. 

A  lovely  California  day  in  the  spring  of  '49. 
The  hotel  of  canvas  (for  San  Francisco,  was 
then  but  a  Spanish  town)  was  crowded.  In  the 
room  next  to  Lawyer  Bets  and  wife,  were  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Silverton,  from  Boston.  Silverton  was 
of  middle  age,  tall  and  forbidding,  ifon  gray 
hair;  he  was  neither  handsome  nor  rich,  but  cold 
and  selfish,  with  no  appreciation  of  his  beautiful 
accomplished  wife.  They  had  left  their  home, 
to  seek  a  fortune  in  California.  Kate,  his  wife, 
was  two-and-twenty,  middle  size,  fine  figure, 
graceful  carriage,  small  hands  and  feet,  great 
black  eyes  that  looked  like  a  gazelle,  olive  com- 
plexion, classic  features,  jet  black  hair  which 
she  coiled  in  a  Grecian  knot. 


HILTON   HALL.  41 

She  was  a  daughter  of  one  of  the  proudest 
families  in  Massachusetts,  the  pet  of  her  friends, 
accustomed  to  refinement  and  elegance. 

She  had,  upon  visiting  a  school  friend  in  New 
York  City,  met  Mr.  Silverton,  who  became 
madly  in  love  with  this  beautiful  girl,  and  with 
the  ardor  of  middle  age  won  her  affections, 
married,  and  took  her  to  this  far  away  place, 
where  her  days  were  passed  in  this  canvas  hotel 
with  books,  and  longing  for  home. 

It  was  a  calm,  tropical  day,  the  breeze  had 
lifted  the  fog,  leaving  the  sunlight  on  trees  and 
flowers,  as  the  steamer,  passing  through  the 
Golden  Gate — and  by  the  islands,  approached 
the  pier  at  San  Francisco.  All  was  bustle  and 
confusion,  all  had  passed  a  restless  night,  impa- 
tient for  the  landing.  For  steamers  were  not 
then,  as  now,  "Floating  palaces,"  nor  was  a 
voyage  one  of  delight,  but  weary  and  uninterest- 
ing; every  berth  taken,  and  cots  spread  about 
the  deck,  for  the  men,  who  were  impatient  to 
reach  Eldorado — where  they  dreamed  all  their 
bright  hopes  would  be  realized.  So  when  the  sun 
rose  this  Wednesday  morning,  all  appeared  on 
deck.  Among  the  passengers,  and  first  to  land 
was  Donnallen  Hilton.  Leaving  his  luggage 
with  a  Chinaman,  he  walked  to  the  Canvas  Hotel 
— registered,  changed  his  attire,  then  looked 
about  for  acquaintances.  At  this  moment  dinner 
was  announced,  and  Donnallen  found  himself  at 
3 


42  HILTON    HALL. 

table  vis  a  vis  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Silverton.  Only  a 
glance,  and  he  saw  she  was  beautiful,  refined, 
neglected  and  homesick. 

Assuming  an  air  of  frankness,  that  covered  a 
life  destitute  of  every  principle  of  honor,  for  he 
was  a  heartless,  systematic  libertine,  he  intro- 
duced himself  to  Silvertou,  and  they  became 
"Kail  fellow  well  met."  Finding  Silverton  was 
here  to  make  money  and  as  yet,  had  not  entered 
into  business,  he  proposed  to  make  him  agent  in 
his  marble  business,  as  that  was  one  of  the 
things  he  proposed  to  establish  in  this  Western 
City;  it  was  sure  to  be  a  large  city,  and  marble 
would  be  needed,  for  ornament  and  monuments. 

Silverton  accepted  with  gratitude  and  bade 
Donnallen  come  to  their  rooms  whenever  he 
felt  lonely,  he  would  always  be  welcome.  He 
replied  he  would  with  pleasure,  and  was  not  long 
in  availing  himself  of  an  opportunity.  He 
noticed  when  they  talked  of  business,  Mrs. 
Silverton,  moved  wearily  away,  and  seemed 
oppressed  with  anxiety  and  fear.  He  conjectured 
she  did  not  like  him,  so  immediately  took  steps 
to  hide  his  purpose,  and  become  to  Silverton  the 
trusted  friend  and  benefactor.  He  became  devout, 
never  missing  a  Sabbath  morning  service,  in 
company  with  Mrs.  Silverton,  her  husband  pre- 
fering  the  newspaper  at  home. 

Soon  Mr.  Hilton  began  sending  dainty 
boquets,  delicious  fruits,  and  ices,  music,  books; 


HILTON   HALL.  43 

and  at  such  times  as  he  knew  Kate  was  grieved 
by  coldness  or  neglect,  would  come  with  invita- 
tions to  such  places  of  amusement  as  San  Fran- 
cisco afforded.  Mr.  Silverton,  thinking  no  evil, 
urged  her  to  go.  No  need  to  remain  at  home 
and  mope,  because  he  could  not  accompany 
them.  So  they  were  constantly  thrown  together. 
Hilton  arranged  excursions  to  points  of  inter- 
est near  San  Francisco,  to  San  Louis,  Obispo, 
the  Mission,  where  all  is  quaint  and  strange,  and 
many  other  beautiful  places;  always  inviting  a 
large  party — paying  all  expenses  himself,  and 
managing  when  there  was  a  shaded  gravel  walk, 
to  be  near  the  beautiful  Kate.  Many  moonlight 
nights  he  would  walk  with  her  amid  the  fra- 
grance of  flowers,  citron  and  olive  wood.  While 
he  paid  a  harpist  to  linger  in  the  distance  sooth- 
ing her  nerves  with  far-off  music. 

Soon  his  conduct  became  rather  pronounced, 
but  Kate's  beautiful  eyes  full  of  tears,  looked 
pleadingly  in  his.  She  said,  "Oh!  please  do  not 
say  another  word."  He  was  on  his  knees  in  a 
moment,  "For  Heaven's  sake,  don't  cry,  and  for- 
give me,  don't  imagine  for  one  moment,  that  I 
can  think  anything  of  you  that  is  not  pure, 
womanly  and  true.  You  are  in  my  eyes  the 
fairest  and  best  of  women.  We  will  not  speak 
of  it  any  more — at  least  not  at  present,  but 
someday,  kissing  and  releasing  her  hands,  you 
will  think  as  I  do." 


44  HILTON   HALL. 

Lawyer  Bets  and  wife,  hearing  the  conversa- 
tion, "for  cloth  does  not  keep  out  sound,"  he 
said,  "Wife,  it  is  a  pity  so  lovely  a  woman 
married  the  gloomy  old  man.  She  must  have 
loved  him  as  he  has  no  wealth.  She  is  silent, 
pale  and  sad  enough  now,  but  she  is  very  young, 
when  we  consider  she  has  no  friends  here,  save 
the  old  man,  it  is  not  amazing.  If  that  hand- 
some young  fellow  tries  that  racket  again,  go  in 
at  once  and  by  your  presence,  prevent  her  losing 
her  honor;  if,  on  the  contrary,  he  insists  upon  a 
divorce  and  marriage,  do  not  meddle.  He  is 
young,  rich,  and  seems  generous;  could  keep  her 
in  opulence,  why  should  they  not  be  happy? 
He  seems  truly  in  love  with  her.  What  was  his 
quotation? 

"For  in  his  heart,  as  in  the  stream,  her  image  deeply 

lies, 

His  heart  which  trembles  at  the  beam, 
Of  her  soul  searching^eyes." 

Poe, 

"Yes,  yes,  sentimental!  I've  been  there 
myself. " 

Mrs.  Bets  remonstrated  and  represented  the 
wrong  she  would  inflict  upon  her  husband,  and 
thought  the  intimacy  with  Hilton  dangerous. 
He  thought  it  a  pity  she  should  intrust  her  life 
and  happiness  to  the  keeping  of  the  obstinate 
old  man,  whose  temper  was  incompatible  with 
hers.  "I  dare  say  he  would  not  grieve  much." 


HILTON   HALL.  45 

Hilton  now  restricted  his  visits  to  long  inter- 
vals, and  when  he  did  arrive,  his  manners  were 
those  of  a  gentleman,  his  attentions  .the  most 
delicate.  Lawyer  Bets  thought  his  determination 
to  win  the  lady  was  strengthened,  and  that  he 
was  adroitly  manuevering  to  win  her  heart,  with 
what  result  we  shall  see. 

Respectfully  and  with  tact  he  continued  his 
attentions  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Silverton — advancing 
the  old  man  in  his  business  until  the  dream  of 
his  life  seemed  about  to  be  realized,  and  he 
seemed  buried  in  trade.  While  Hilton,  with  a 
will  firm  as  granite,  resolved  to  separate  them  and 
make  her  his  wife — the  moment  they  were  alone 
he  would  tumble  down  upon  his  knees  and  plead 
his  cause — for  hei  Gods — blessed  love — wasted 
upon  the  old  man  who  thought  more  of  the  price 
of  a  marble  monument  than  of  her  precious  life. 
She  was  living  in  sin  to  remain  with  her  hus- 
band, when  her  heart  was  his,  he  would  have 
her,  life  was  unbearable  without  her. 
%  She  would  implore  him  to  leave  her,  reminding 
him  of  the  vows  made  at  the  altat.  "What  God 
hath  joined  together,"  He  shakes  his  curly  head 
and  laughingly  says,  "I  am  simply  going  to  ex- 
plain my  ideas." 

Each  day  she  listened  to  his  supplications, 
with  less  remonstrance,  until  finally  she  consented 
to  obtain  a  divorce  and  become  his  wife. 

So  one  day  in    '50,   he    called,  saying    "Thank 


46  HILTON   HALL. 

God  for  His  blessing!  I  have  come  to  take  you 
away,  the  steamer  sails  tomorrow,  shall  take  you 
home  to  mother,  and  just  as  soon  as  you  obtain 
the  divorce,  we  shall  be  married."  She  is  tremb- 
ling, her  face  white  as  alabaster.  Turning  his 
eyes  upon  her  he  exclaims,  "Darling,  what  is  the 
matter,  are  you  not  with  Donnallen." 

"I  trust  so,     safe  and   happy.     Will  your  love 
last?" 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


UNEXPECTED  VISITS- 

"And  our  life  exempt  from  public  haunt, 

Finds  tongues  in  trees,  books,  in  the  running  brooks 

Sermons  in  stones,  and  good  in  everything."    . 

September  1st  the  Dotys  received  an  unex- 
pected flying  visit  from  Mr.  Hilton;  he  came  with 
Madam  Hoag.  Several  times  he  had  written,  send- 
ing special  messages  to  Helen,  but  no  hint  that* 
he  intended  again  visiting  Salt  Lake  City.  Madam 
Hoag  said,  "He  wished  by  surprises  to  form 
some  idea  of  Helen's  character  and  disposition, 
which  could  be  better  understood  by  coming 
unexpectedly,  and  he  still  hoped  to  overcome  her 
dislike  to  him." 

On  this  evening  Helen  had  several    guests    at 
her    home;    all    were    quite    charmed    with    Mr. 


HILTON   HALL.  47 

Hilton.  He  talked  to  them  of  excursions  he  had 
made  to  places  of  interest,  not  then,  as  now, 
visited  by  many  tourists.  All  were,  in  fact, 
pleased  to  hear  him  talk. 

Once  during  the  evening,  after  Miss  HeHn 
had  sung  for  him,  he  whispered,  "My  uttermost 
joy  since  I  left  has  been  in  the  thought  of  you. 
I  have  never  in  my  life  made  love,  but  language 
is  too  poor  to  tell  you  how  I  love  you.  I  may 
not  be  able  to  speak  to  you  alone,  but  think 
kindly  of  me  if  you  can."  Later  he  passed 
Helen  the  newspaper;  upon  the  margin  was 
written,  "I  leave  tomorrow,  I  will  not  see  you 
again,  God  bless  you,  Helen,  goodbye.  Don- 
nallen. " 

The  evening  passed  pleasantly.  When  the 
guests  arose  to  depart,  Madam  Hoag  said,  "It  is 
moonlight;  I  propose  the  young  people  should 
see  us  home,"  that  is,  escort  her  home,  then  the 
gentlemen  would  return  with  the  ladies. 

The  night  was  indeed  beautiful.  At  the  gate, 
Mr.  Hilton,  offering  his  arm  to  Miss  Helen,  said, 
"We  will  walk  last. 

"No,  no,  let  the  old  folks  go  first,"  laughed 
the  rest. " 

They  all  walked  together,  but  returning,  the 
party  was  smaller.  Mr.  Hilton  walked  rapidly 
until  out  of  hearing  of  the  others.  Then  he 
spoke  of  his  family  and  friends;  he  had  few 
relatives,  as  he  had  told  her — his  mother  was 


48  HILTON   HALL. 

dead.  How  he  wished  his  dear  good  mother 
could  know  her,  she  would  teach  her  how  to  love 
him,  h^dear  old  grandma  resembled  her,  and 
in  many  ways  reminded  him  of  her. 

He  talked  much  of  the  splendor  of  his  home 
and  surroundings,  and  wondered  how  she  could 
live  in  this  lonely  city. 

Helen  replied  that  she  was  very  young,  and 
school,  music,  and  home  duties  occupied  most 
of  her  time,  while  her  associates  were  kind, 
intelligent,  and  pleasant. 

He  said  in  his  world,  the  system  practiced 
here  would  be  looked  upon  with  contempt  and 
loathing.  Should  a  man  be  guilty  of  such  things, 
he  would  lay  himself  liable  to  the  law.  He 
thought  for  a  young  girl  like  herself  to  engage  in 
polygamy  would  be  something  horrible. 

Helen  replied  she  did  not  discuss  the  sub- 
ject with  men,  she  had  many  warm  friends  who 
professed  that  belief,  and  it  was  a  subject  never 
mentioned  between  them;  as  for  herself,  she  had 
seen  enough  to  never  care  to  engage  in  it,  she 
wondered  he  tried  so  hard  to  cultivate  an 
acquaintance  with  one  of  whose  surroundings  he 
expressed  such  horror." 

"But,"  said  Hilton,  "do  you  dream  of  any 
other  place?" 

Yes,  she  knew  her  life  was  limited  and 
narrow.  Several  of  her  relatives  and  friends  had 
traveled  in  Europe,  which  had  polished  their 


HILTON    HALL.  49 

manners  somewhat,  and  they  had  taken  pains  to 
instruct  their  children  in  art  and  sculpture,  her 
music  teacher  was  the  daughter  of  an  earl,  she 
had  left  castles  and  palaces  in  Denmark  and 
Sweden  to  become  a  Mormon.  She  had  taught 
her  of  the  best  masters,  also  made  her  familiar 
with  the  music  and  story  of  all  the  old  opsras. 
Some  day  in  the  future,  she  hoped  to  go  out  in 
the  world  of  which  she  had  heard  and  read  so 
much,  particularly  did  she  long  to  see  the 
antiquities  of  Europe,  to  visit  Greece  and 
Italy,  as  those  were  the  histories  she  most 
delighted  to  read,  she  wished  to  view  those  classic 
ruins,  "monuments  of  the  past  breathing  of 
wisdom,  oratory  and  poetry,"  and  Venice,  it 
seemed,  would  be  a  dream  of  delight.  All  the 
pictures,  song  and  poetry  of  Venice  seemed  like 
enchantment.  She  could  imagine  herself  beneath 
Italy's  sunny  skies,  inhaling  the  perfume  laden 
breezes  and  trusted,  should  she  ever  have  the 
pleasure,  she  should  not  be  disenchanted. 

He  replied,  "Do  you  know,  I  care  nothing 
for  such  things,  the  history  I  like  best  is  Napo- 
leon Bonaparte.  What  a  glorious  man  he  wasi* 
You  should  read  of  him.  I  am  afraid  you  like 
novels." 

Helen  said,  "she  did,  but  read  few — had  read 
of  Napoleon,  was  not  an  enthusiastic  lover  of  him 
— thought  him  selfish  and  egotistical." 

Said   he,    "Napoleon  ranks    with   the    greatest 


50  HILTON   HALL. 

men  the  world  has  ever  seen;  a  great  warrior,  he 
put  an  end  to  Anarchy  and  placed  France  at  the 
head  of  nations." 

So  she  had  read,  but  always  sympathized  with 
Paoli,  who  banished  him  from  the  Island  of 
Corsica  in  1792,  but  admitted  he  was  astute  and  foi 
a  time,  it  was  a  career  of  victory;  he  was  no 
gentleman,  and  how  noble  and  brave  was  the 
killing  of  the  Burbon  Prince,  Duke  d'  Anghien, 
and  how  perfectly  lovely  in  him  to  divorce  Jose- 
phine, and  make  the  daughter  of  his  old  enemy, 
the  Emperor  of  Austria,  Empress  of  the  French 

He  replied,  "Oh,  that  was  nothing,  it  was 
expedient  and  the  end  justified  the  means."  His 
face  in  the  moonlight  was  a  study,  as  he  said 
this.  "Are  you  fond  of  flowers  too,  Miss 
Helen?" 

Yes  she  was  a  great  admirer  of  the  wild 
flowers  here.  "They  are  few  and  very  beautiful, 
and  we  girls  give  them  names,  they  are  not 
botanized.  You  will  be  surprised  to  know  I 
have  never  yet  seen  a  rose  other  than  the  wild 
ones,  and  the  eglantine  which  we  have  on  our 
premises;  it  would  be  delightful  to  see  a  garden 
of  roses." 

"What  a  pleasure  it  would  be  to  provide  you 
with  such  a  gaiden,"  said  he,  "I  suppose  we 
Eastern  people  cannot  realize  the  pleasure  such 
things  give  to  one  raised  as  you  have  been. 


HILTON    HALL.  51 

Why   do    you  not  have    roses,     it    costs    little    to 
grow  them?" 

She  did  not  know,  unless  because  in  an  early 
day  bitter  experience  taught  them  to  provide  for 
several  years  ahead,  the  necessaries  of  life,  and 
as  everything  required  much  labor,  owing  to 
irrigation,  they  had  thought  little  of  flowers,  they 
would  come  in  time. 

By  this  time  they  had  reached  the  cottage. 
Helen  bade  him  goodnight,  but  gave  him  no 
invitation  to  repeat  his  call. 

After  the  girls  were  alone,  Grace  Vivian,  one 
of  the  guests,  said,  "Oh,  he  is  just  too  splendid 
for  anything,  and  i  know  Helen,  it  is  'Kismet.' 
-When  you  are  in  your  palatial  residence  in  New 
York  City,  send  for  us  girls  to  visit  you.  You 
can  with  his  vast  wealth  and  generosity,  the 
enormous  expense  of  the  trip  would  be  nothing 
to  him." 

"Don't  ask  me  to  send  for  you.  .  I,  too, 
thought  with  a  shudder  it  may  be  possible,  every- 
thing seems  to  conspire  to  bring  it  about,  but 
believe  if  it  should  be,  I  shall  be  unhappy;  in 
fact,  my  opinion  is,  he  is  from  head  to  foot  a 
sham,  he  deceives  you  before  your  face,  and  will 
argue,  until  you  are  convinced  you  saw  wrongly. 
You  doubt  his  statement,  yet  end  by  believing 
him;  as  for  his  generosity,  I  believe  he  would 
starve  me. " 


52  HILTON   HALL. 

"Why,  Helen,  you  are  sentimental  and  ima- 
ginative," exclaimed  Grace. 

"No,  no,  only  clairvoyant.  Come  to  me  when 
I  have  been  married  ten  years  and  see  who 
judged  him  wrongly.  But  what  nonsense!  He 
has  not  proposed  to  me,  and  I  am  the  inter- 
ested one." 

A  few  weeks  later  Helen  was  surprised  one 
evening  by  a  call  from  a  number  of  children  who 
came  with  a  letter;  as  she  had  received  but  one 
or  two  in  her  life,  it  was  quite  an  event.  Coming 
from  school,  the  postmaster  hailed  one  of  her  rel- 
atives, saying,  "A  letter  for  Miss  Helen,  please 
hand  it  to  her."  It  was  mailed  at  San  Francisco, 
Cal.,  the  address  written  in  a  strange  hand,  upon 
a  yellow  envelope,  the  paper  inside  such  as  busi- 
ness men  use,  written  in  Battery  Street,  1861. 

"Mv  DEAR  Miss  HELEN. — I  am  afraid  my  letter 
to  you  will  be  unwelcome,  but  truly  all  my 
thoughts  are  of  you  alone:  The  times  that  I  can 
leave  my  business  and  visit  you  are  so  few 
the  distance  so  great,  and  to  tell  the  truth,  I  am 
becoming  so  much  interested  in  you  and  wishing 
to  know  you  better,  I  write  to  request  a  corres- 
pondence with  you.  Enclosed  is  my,  and  my 
brother's  business  card.  Hoping  to  receive  a 
favorable  reply,  I  remain  ever  your  friend, 

"DONNALLEN    HlLTON.  " 

The  children  who  brought  the  letter  insisted 
it  was  not  fair,  not  to  let  them  know  the  con- 


HILTON  HALL.  53 

tents.  "Let  us  hear  it  and  who  wrote  it,"  there- 
upon Helen  read  it  aloud.  "Oh  a  love  letter!  a 
love  letter!  be  sure  and  invite  us  to  the  wedding." 
Miss  Helen  tore  it  up  but  immediately  replied. 

"SALT  LAKE  CITY,  UTAH,  January,  1861. 
"MR.  HILTON,  DEAR  SIR. — Your  note  received, 
it  was  a  surprise,  I  reside  where  it  is  not  the 
custom  for  young  girls  to  open  correspondence 
with  gentlemen.  Also,  have  no  interest  in  con- 
tinuing the  acquaintance.  Respectfully, 

"HELEN  DOTY." 

The  letter  was  dispatched  not  without  some 
opposition,  and  Madam  Hoag  was  immediately 
consulted  and  promised  if  another  letter  came, 
she  should  be  allowed  to  give  an  opinion  ere  it 
was  answered.  A  fortnight  brought  another. 

"BATTERY  STREET,  SAN  FRANCISCO,  CAL. 
"DEAR  Miss  HE!EN. — My  sensibilities  are 
deeply  wounded  that  you  hint  I  lack  the  honor 
of  a  gentleman.  Inclosed  I  send  you  references 
of  men  with  whom  I  have  done  business  for  a 
quarter  of  a  century,  and  you  see  how  I  stand. 
Hoping  you  will  think  better  of  your  determina- 
tion, I  remain  ever  your  friend, 

"DONNALLEN    HlLTON.  " 

Madam  Hoag  was  allowed  to  read  it  and  this 
the  result. 


54  HILTON   HALL. 

"SALT  LAKE  CITY,  UTAH,  February,  1861. 
"MR.  HILTON,  DEAR  SIR. — Yours  received, 
Madam  Hoag  thinks  it  breathes  the  soul  of  honor; 
this  is  what  she  says.  'As  Helen's  betrothed 
lover,  you  should  look  upon  him  with  the  eyes  of 
favor,  especially  in  perceiving  in  the  integrity  of 
the  old  man's  character,  the  best  guarantee  of 
the  future  happiness  of  the  family.'  She,  you 
know,  is  the  confidential  friend  of  my  mother  as 
well  as  of  yourself.  Father  has  not  seen'  your 
letters.  I  think  your  list  of  references  too  long, 
but  then  I  am  only  a  girl,  those  men  are 
strangers  to  me,  no  doubt  among  so  many,  some 
can  be  found  upon  whom  we  can  rely.  I  have 
written  enough  for  you  to  understand  your  atten- 
tions cause  me  unhappiness.  Please  let  them 
cease  now.  Respectfully, 

"HELEN  DOTY." 


HILTON    HALL.  55 


CHAPTER  IX. 


GOING  HOHE. 

"And  eyes  forget  the  gentle  ray, 
They  wore  in  courtship's  smiling  day; 
And  voices  lose  the  tone  that  shed 
A  tenderness  round  all  they  said; 
Till  fast  declining,  one  by  one, 
The  sweetnesses  of  love  are  gone." 

Going  aboard  the  steamer,  the  voyage  was 
long  and  delightful,  giving  Donnallen  an  oppor- 
tunity to  study  the  character  of  this  refined, 
beautiful  Mrs.  Silverton,  who  possessed  a  fund 
of  knowledge  with  wonderful  fascination  of 
manner.  While  a  glance  from  her  Madonna-like 
eyes  would  fill  his  soul  with  delight,  he  would 
assure  her  his  life  had  been  a  wilderness  ere 
he  met  her,  and  his  mind  seemed  awake  from 
the  evil  influences  which  had  bound  him.  She 
was  not  quite  happy,  being  by  nature  of  pure 
feelings,  her  religion  prohibiting  a  divorce,  she 
was  troubled.  He  would  laugh  at  her  fears  and 
as  he  was  near  her  day  after  day,  and  at  evening 
the  moonlight  and  starlit  sky  reflected  in  the 
blue  waters  of  the  ocean,  was  very  conducive  to 
love  making,  she  grew  more  and  more  fascinated, 


56  HILTON   HALL. 

her  conscientious  scruples  growing  fainter  and 
fainter. 

Upon  landing  at  New  York  City  they  went  to 
the  Astor  House,  in  Broadway.  Here  she  met 
and  became  reconciled  to  her  family,  and  Don- 
nallen  having  a  warm  friend  in  the  influential 
but  unscrupulous  Judge  Bridgewood,  an  appeal 
for  divorce  was  laid  before  the  legislature  and 
through  his  intervention  and  the  support  of  his 
friend  East,  an  able  lawyer,  the  bill  was  passed, 
immediately,  leaving  this  lovely,  accomplished 
woman  free  to  marry  him. 

In  due  time  the  two  went  to  his  New  England 
home  where  his  friends  met  her  with  open  arms, 
and  life  seemed  now  to  be  full  of  sunshine. 
Soon  they  were  married,  going  again  to  the 
Astor,  where  in  a  suite  of  rooms,  looking  on 
Broadway,  they  passed  the  first  weeks  of  their 
married  life.  Now  the  shade  of  thought  on  that 
beautiful  brow  was  seldom  seen.  They  were 
young,  rich  and  handsome.  For  a  short  time, 
the  admiration  she  received  from  all  who  saw 
her  seemed  to  make  his  life  complete. 

She  with  eagerness  anticipated  every  wish  of 
his,  giving  pleasant  words  and  smiles. 

They  made  the  rounds  of  the  fashionable 
resorts.  And  in  those  gay  and  brilliant  scenes, 
she  found  Donnallen  less  attentive.  He  seemed 
entranced  with  the  glittering  circle,  especially 
with  the  beautiful  women,  with  bright  eyes  and 


HILJON   HALL.-  57 

the  charms  that  wealth,  travel  and  art  could 
adorn.  There  came  to  her  at  times  a  premoni- 
tion of  coming  sorrow.  During  the  second  year 
of  their  travels,  a  little  boy  was  born  to  them, 
with  the  blue  eyes  of  his  father,  but  the  gazelle- 
like  expression  of  the  mother.  Donnallen  loved 
the  boy  well  as  his  selfish  nature  could  love,  and 
expressed  a  belief  that  when  he  should  be  older, 
he  should  feel  a  deep  interest  in  him.  The  care 
of  the  babe  took  much  of  Kate's  time,  leaving 
Hilton  to  his  own  resources.  Soon  after  the 
birth  of  the  child  he  became  stern,  his  eyes  no 
longer  seemed  to  smile  at  her,  but  wore  a  gloomy 
expression,  the  gifts  of  flowers,  fruit,  books  and 
music  ceased.  No  use  to  play  sentimental  now. 
Her  sweetness  had  coyed,  it  was  time  to 
settle  down  into  real  life.  She  now  became 
sorrowful,  smiles  were  rare  on  her  beautiful  lips. 
For  she  loved  him  with  an  unselfish  love.  Her 
friends  began  to  whisper  she  was  neglected. 

When  Hilton  after  four  years,  took  her  child 
from  her,  she  tortured  herself  with  the  thought 
that  she  had  done  wrong,  acted  with  impatience 
in  the  difficulties  that  beset  her  early  married 
life,  remembering  all  the  kindness  of  Silverton. 
As  time  softened  the  rough  places,  she  felt  the 
bitterest  contrition  that  she  had  ever  been  in- 
fluenced to  play  him  false. 

When  Hilton,  abused,  taunted  and  threatened 
her,  raising  her  beautiful  sad  eyes  to  his,  asked, 


58  HILTON    HALL. 

"Do  you  not  love  me,  Donnallen?"  He  answered, 
"I  thought  I  did  when  I  used  to  kneel  at  your 
feet  in  the  Canvas  Hotel,  when  I  made  you 
promise  to  give  up  all  for  me,  but  the  fact  is, 
your  affection  annoys  me." 

She  replied,  "I  have  sinned,  but  I  have  been 
punished,  Oh!  my  God,  more  than  I  can  bear." 
After  such  conversations  her  manner  became  cold 
and  passionless,  she  seemed  to  brood  in  silence 
over  something  of  which  she  never  spoke.  Dur- 
ing the  five  years  of  her  married  life,  her- face 
had  become  thin  and  pale,  her  expression  hard, 
hopeless,  bitter. 

One  day  Hilton  came  in  hurriedly  saying, 
"Kate,  I  wish  you  to  take  a  voyage  with  me,  so 
be  ready  for  the  steamer  to-morrow."  They 
returned  to  dear  old  California. 

Soon  after  that,  she  was  seen  standing  in  the 
door  of  a  gloomy,  old  tumbled  down  place  ten  miles 
from  Salem,  Or.,  her  hands  folded,  her  eyes  fixed 
intently  upon  the  landscape.  Hilton,  stepping  up 
to  her,  touched  lightly  with  his  lips  her  brow. 
She  turned  her  eyes  for  a  moment  on  his  face, 
and  extending  her  hand,  in  accents  sad  and 
sweet  murmured  farewell.  That  was  the  last 
seen  of  her  for  many  weary  years.  Her  friends 
sometimes  wondered  what  could  have  become  of 
her,  and  what  it  was  changed  the  bright-eyed, 
smiling,  fascinating  Kate  into  that  proud,  cold 
statue,  and  that  nothing  was  left  of  her  beautiful 
face,  but  those  black  mournful  eyes. 


HILTON   HALL. 


CHAPTER  X. 


REJECTED. 

"I  think  that  at  the  last  I  culled  a  flower, 
And  gave  to  her,  and  then  spoke  loud  and  free; 
'Yes,  be  my  wife,  Ottillia,  from  this  hour, 
That  I,  like  thee,  may,  pure  and  happy  be.'  " 

Heine. 

It  was  a  lovely  day  in  June.  The  young 
girls,  with  Miss  Vivian  and  other  friends  had 
been  the  guests  of  Mr.  Doty,  at. his  farm.  They 
had,  after  a  week  of  romping,  returned  to  the 
city,  where  a'fter  a  substantial  dinner,  they  sat 
talking  until  past  midnight.  When  Mrs.  Doty, 
called  to  the  young  ladies  to  retire,  the  girls  all 
apologized,  saying,  "They  had  no  idea  it  was  so 
late."  The  next  morning  all  in  the  house  slept 
late.  It  was  ten  o'clock,  when  Mrs.  Doty  in- 
formed Helen  and  her  companions,  that  "Mr. 
Hilton  had  arrived  and  would,  with  Madam 
Hoag,  be  their  guest  that  evening."  So  the 
young  ladies  helped  with  the  morning's  work, 
one  clearing  away  the  table,  another  making  the 
room  tidy,  while  Miss  Vivian,  arranged  boquets 
in  the  parlor,  laughingly  she  quoted  from  Mrs. 
Heman's  "The  Brief  Honej'moon."  Transposing 
as  struck  her  fancy. 


60  HILTON   HALL. 

"From  the  home  of  childhood's  glee, 
From  the  days  of  laughter  free, 
From  the  loves  of  many  years, 
Thou  must  go  to  cares  and  fears; 
To  another  path  and  guide; 
To  a  bosom  yet  untried." 

Which  was  received  with  peals  of  laughter, 
while  each  in  turn  composed  something  original 
in  reference  to  the  occasion.  The  hours  passed 
jolly  enough  until  time  for  the  guests  to  arrive. 
Then  nothing  could  exceed  their  dignity  and 
repose  of  manner. 

Mr.  Hilton  asked  the  young  ladies,  "If  they 
did  not  find  life  behind  the  stone  wall  a  dull 
one?" 

They  replied,  "It  would  be,  if  they  did 
nothing  but  sit  down  and  brood  upon  it." 

"How  is  it  with  you,  Miss  Helen?" 

She  replied,  "It  would  be,  but  she  was  a 
great  lover  of  nature." 

"You  have  never  been  away  from  this  place 
in  all  your  life?" 

"No,  no  farther  than  fifty  miles  south,  and  I 
am  almost  seventeen.  I  long  to  see  the  world,  I 
should  like  to  see  the  grand  places  I  have  read 
about.  But  this  is  a  beautiful  spot.  Inside  the 
wall  in  the  moonlight  that  water  makes  a  beauti- 
ful picture,  one  is  never  lonely,  for  that  water 
rushes  over  the  rocks  with  a  musical  sound  all 
the  year  round.  In  the  early  spring  we  girls  and 


HILTON   HALL.  61 

boys  hasten  to  the  sunny  spots,  where  the  ground 
is  carpeted  with  wild  flowers,  and  later  along 
the  streams,  the  columbines  and  wild  roses  peep 
through  the  tangled  shrubbery.  We  find  much 
to  amuse  and  instruct,  as  well  as  much  variety. 
For  while  we  harken  to  some  sweet  singing  as 
the  young  people  wend  their  way  home,  we  hear 
also  the  howl  of  the  coyote,  and  the  frightful 
babble  of  the  Indian  pow-wow. "  That  did  not 
frighten  her  now,  as  it  used  to  do.  She  well 
remembered  her  meditations  were  interrupted 
one  night,  when  there  came  a  messenger  to  the 
door,  saying  the  Indians  were  unfriendly  and 
they  feared  an  attack  ere  the  sun  rose. 

The  cottage  being  isolated,  they  were  to  go 
to  the  Judge's,  where  was  a  strong  guard.  Taking 
her  shoes  under  her  arm,  she  ran  along,  stopping 
now  and  then  to  play  in  the  sand,  or  gather 
flowers.  Her  uncle  would  call  to  her,  "Don't 
linger,  baby,  put  on  your  shoes,  don't  you  know 
the  lizards  run  in  and  out  among  the  flowers?" 
But  she  would  stop  again  and  again,  to  gaze 
at  the  mountains  so  grandly  beautiful,  and  the 
moon  shone  out  through  the  oak  leaves,  while 
the  gray  of  the  sage  brush  in  the  moonlight  and 
starlit  valley,  took  on  a  silver  sheen.  Little 
cared  she  for  the  threatened  trouble,  being  just 
old  enough  to  feel  perfect  confidence  in  the 
ability  of  the  guard  to  quell  any  disturbance. 

Hilton  thought  she    must  have    a    happy    dis- 


62  HILTON   HALL. 

position  to  find  so  much,  from  so  little,  but  he 
thought  she  would  soon  forget  her  mountain 
home  if  she  once  visited  a  large  city. 

Helen  replied,  "No,  she  had  been  told  the 
strongest  impressions  of  life  were  those  formed 
in  childhood." 

He  replied,  "  He  loved  to  hear  her  talk,  he 
could  listen  to  her  for  hours,  she  made  him 
forget  time."  After  supper  the  company  sepa- 
rated into  groups,  and  walked  about  the  grounds, 
inhaling  the  fragrance  of  the  summer  breeze. 

Hilton  joined  Helen,  telling  her  he  had  been 
watching  for  a  tete-a-tete.  He  asked  her  "to 
become  his  wife."  It  was  pitiful  to  listen  to  this 
friendless  old  man,  who  amid  the  cares  of  amass- 
ing a  fortune,  led  a  life  of  desolation.  "You  see," 
he  said,  "I  am  alone  in  the  world,  while  you  are 
blessed  with  near  friends  and  relatives.  You 
cannot  know  how  impatiently  I  wait  for  these 
Western  visits."  Something  very  bright  had 
come  into  his  life  since  he  had  known  her,  she 
was  so  new  and  fresh  with  her  ideas,  so  inde- 
pendent, so  free  and  unaffected  in  manner,  and 
yet  so  retiring,  that  his  heart  had  completely 
gone  out  to  her.  That  after  he  returned  to  his 
bachelor  home,  he  would  sit  and  think  how  she 
looked  in  her  cottage  home.  How  he  longed  in 
the  evenings  for  the  sound  of  her  voice  singing, 
or  talking  to  him.  How  long  the  days  seemed, 


HILTON    HALL.  68 

and  how  uninteresting  everything  was  with- 
out her. 

She  was  deeply  grieved  to  crush  his  fond 
hopes,  but  could  not  accept  the  honor  he  pro- 
posed. 

"Then  you  do  not  love  me?"   He  asked. 

She  replied,  "I  have  never  thought  of  you 
only  as  an  acquaintance. " 

They  were  now  joined  by  the  merry  company, 
which  soon  dispersed. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


HILTON  HftLL. 

Thus  grief  still  treads  upon  the  heel  of  pleasure, 
Married  in  haste,  we  may  repent  at  leisure. 

Congrere. 

On  the  crest  of  a  hill  overlooking  the  thriving 

manufacturing  village   of  ,    is    the   residence 

of  its  richest  citizen,  the  Railroad  King,  Don- 
nallen  Hilton.  His  home  is  located  in  the 
centre  of  a  hundred  acres,  a  most  beautiful  spot, 
shut  in  from  the  noise  of  the  great  world. 
Ascending  the  hill  from  the  front  is  a  green  lawn 
with  garden  and  orchard.  There  is  a  romantic, 
dreamy,  beauty  about  this  lovely  spot.  At  the 
rear  of  the  house  the  hill  thickly  covered  with 


64  HILTON   HALL 

evergreens,  and  near  the  house  landscape  gardens 
with  fountains  playing  in  the  centre,  making  a 
gentle  music.  Under  the  trees  are  rustic  seats, 
to  the  right  a  hot-house  contained  exquisite 
flowers,  transplanted  from  every  clime,  to  bloom 
in  New  Hampshire.  In  an  aviary,  birds  from 
the  islands  of  the  seas  made  the  place  vocal 
with  sweet  notes,  while  statues  adorned  the 
court,  a  sweet  picture  of  gushing  water,  green 
lawns  and  warbling  birds. 

Ascending  the  steps  and  passing  through  the 
hall,  you  enter  a  large  and  handsomely  furnished 
room,  rich  tapestry  covered  the  floor,  the  ceiling 
was  gracefully  decorated  with  fantastic,  oriental 
tracery  of  crimson  and  gold.  Paintings  covered 
•  the  walls,  many  of  them  costing  a  fortune. 
Statues  and  busts  in  marble  and  bronze,  were 
scattered  around  with  the  taste  of  an  artist. 
The  air  of  the  room  was  fragrant  with  the  perfume 
breathed  from  a  vase  of  flowers  that  stood  on 
the  mosaic  table.  Curtains  of  Syrian  silk  draped 
the  lofty  windows,  from  which  were  seen  fine 
views  of  the  Belkn<4p  Mountains,  bay  of  Winni- 
piseogee,  river  and  islands.  In  this  gorgeous 
room,  reclining  languidly  upon  a  sofa,  half 
buried  in  cushions  of  eiderdown  and  silk,  was  its 
mistress.  Her  jet  black  hair  coiled  in  a  knot 
and  held  with  a  golden  comb.  Not  a  single 
redeeming  feature,  but  her  large,  sad  brown 
eyes,  and  long  jetty  lashes  that  rested  upon  a 


HILTON  HALL.  65 

sunken,  sallow  cheek,  nose  so  long  as  to  give  a 
comical  expression  to  her  face.  Her  thin  lips 
compressed  with  a  sad,  pained  expression.  Her 
small  brown  hands  covered  with  diamonds  and 
emeralds,  were  folded  with  a  weary  hopeless  air 
in  her  lap. 

Few  people  could  boast  of  an  intimacy  with 
the  rich  mistress  of  Hilton  Hall. 

Donnallen,  after  struggling  with  poverty  in 
his  youth,  became  suddenly  wealthy,  built  this 
richly  furnished  home,  then  married  his  cousin 
Lucy  Hilton. 

Yet  Lucy  was  not  happy.  She  was  pledged 
to  a  Frenchman  when  Donnallen,  thinking  it 
not  a  suitable  match,  caused  her  to  break  her 
vow,  by  writing  her.  He  would  marry  her  when 
he  should  return,  his  heart  was  not  in  it,  but  she 
would  not  let  him  prove  recreant.  So  in  1856, 
they  were  married.  Lucy  learned  his  affections 
were  always  flitting,  the  more  intensely  he 
entered  into  a  subject,  the  quicker  his  ardor  was 
cured,  and  that  during  his  years  of  absence,  he 
had  developed  into  a  fast  man. 

He  did  not  remain  at  home  an  hour  after  the 
ceremony,  but  allowed  her  to  remain  there,  while 
he  traveled  for  years.  When  the  last  illness  of 
his  mother  called  him  back,  a  little  girl  had  been 
born  to  them,  but  she  opened  no  fountain  of  joy 
or  tenderness  in  his  heart. 

She  was  a  pale  wee  thing,  mentally  weak.    He 


66  HILTON  HALL. 

tortured  his  forsaken,  neglected  wife  by  saying, 
he  cared  nothing  for  a  girl,  had  she  been  a 
bright,  beautiful  boy  he  could  have  loved  each  of 
them.  So  Lucy,  having  no  kind  words  or  affec- 
tion from  him,  loved  with  all  her  strength  the 
child,  and  passively  endured  his  expressions  of 
disappointment. 

Little  May  clung  to  her  mamma,  while  she 
seemed  to  shrink  with  childish  instinct  from  an 
attempt  of  tenderness  or  friendship  from  papa. 
Lucy,  deprived  of  her  husband's  society,  pale 
and  unhappy,  she  never  went  abroad  and  little  in 
the  village  society,  so  she  daily  grew  more 
delicate,  silent  and  uninteresting. 

From  this  home  coming,  a  boy  was  born,  but 
alas,  not  the  bright,  beautiful  boy  he  hoped  for: 
the  little  baby  was  the  victim  of  his  father's  sin. 
With  bitter  pangs  of  remorse,  he  consulted  the 
most  eminent  physicians,  and  did  all  that  skill 
could  do.  He  cursed  his  past  follies,  telling 
Lucy  he  had  provided  for  her  and  the  children 
everything  that  could  make  home  beautiful  and 
having  done  his  duty,  he  left  her  with  her 
embittered  sorrow,  telling  her  home  was  dismal 
to  him,  their  marriage  a  mistake,  they  were  too 
nearly  related  by  blood  to  rear  a  brilliant 
family. 

Without  caring  for  the  poor  heart,  craving 
love  or  a  kind  word,  he  again  resorted  to  travel. 
Her  heart  was  chilled  by  neglect,  and  year  in 


HILTON    HALL.  67 

and  out  she  remained  a  prisoner  in  her  splendid 
home,  her  strength  exhausted  by  the  heart  weary 
longing  for  sympathy  that  never  came. 


CHAPTER  X  1 1. 


HILTON    IS  PERSISTENT. 

"There  is  never  a  cloud  in  the  blue  and  gold 
Of  that  country  so  fair  and  bright; 
Its  people's  hearts  are  brave  and  bold, 
And  their  spirits  free  and  light." 

Nearly  a  year  had  passed,  with  frequent 
letters  to  Madam  Hoag,  and  occasionally  one  to 
Helen. 

One  day  early  in  April,  Donnallen  Hilton 
came  to  the  cottage  and  asked  to  see  Miss  Doty. 
She  had  on  a  neat  print  house-dress,  and  came 
to  him  in  the  pretty  little  parlor,  which  was  their 
usual  sitting-room,  and  held  out  her  hand,  with 
the  frankness,  characteristic  of  her.  She  knew 
perfectly  well  what  he  had  called  for,  she  had 
grown  used  to  the  idea  of  regarding  him  as  a 
suitor,  although  a  rejected  one,  and  one  for 
whom  she  had  no  fond  hope  in  reserve.  So, 
after  he  had  repeated  the  same  old  story,  she 
said  tirmly:  "It  is  impossible  for  me  to  feel 
interested  in  you,  and  I  am  sorry  you  oblige  me 
to  repeat  it.  I  told  you  plainly  when  you  asked 


68  HILTON   HALL. 

for  my  correspondence  how  I  felt  toward  you,  and 
do  not  think  it  kind  that  you  should  insist  upon  a 
marriage  with  one  whom  you  know  has  neither 
love  nor  esteem  for  you." 

He  turned  upon  her  his  troubled  dark  blue 
eyes,  and  with  a  sad  smile  said:  "It  seems  as 
if  Heaven  had  designed  our  meeting!  Separated 
as  we  were  by  thousands  of  miles  of  desert 
and  mountains.  Only  last  nighl  I  told  Madam 
Hoag,  there  was  no  other  woman  living,  whom 
I  would  win  for  my  wife  but  you,  Helen,  for  I 
know  you  to  be  pure,  true  and  good.  She 
thought  we  were  made  for  each  other.  She  will 
be  sorry  for  me,  when  1  tell  her  that  I  have 
failed  again  today.  My  sister  will  be  sorry  too, 
for  I  have  told  her  all  about  you.  She  wished ' 
me  success,  and  is  ready  to  give  you  a  sister's 
love.  I  wish  I  could  have  carried  brighter  news 
to  her.  You  would  take  me  if  you  cared  for  me 
just  a  little?" 

"It  is  because  I  am  true,  I  refuse  you — and 
there  is  a  great  difference  in  our  ages,  beside 
other  considerations." 

His  eyes  sharpened,  while  he  said,  "Nothing 
in  this  world  can  change  my  determination  to 
marry  you.  You  pay  me  a  pretty  compliment, 
more  than  one  fine  lady  has  given  me  broad 
hints!" 

"No  doubt,"  replied  she,  "Madam  Hoag  has 
already  informed  me  how  few  women  there  are 


HILTON  HALL.  -  69 

in  the  world  who  would  be  able  to  deny  so  hand- 
some a  lover,  I  give  you  her  statement  verbatim." 
His  sunburnt  face  flushed  hotly,  at  Helen's 
outspoken  speech,  but  he  answered  laughingly: 
"Unhappily  you  are  not  one  of  those  women; 
nevertheless,  some  day,  I  hope  to  be  your  hus- 
band, and  you  shall  love  me  too,  then  it  will 
often  amuse  us  to  recall  the  time  when  I  sought 
in  vam  your  hand  in  marriage."  He  took  her 
hand,  kissed  it,  and  went  slowly  away.  Looking 
at  his  watch,  he  lingered  in  the  shade  of  the 
trees;  he  took  off  his  hat,  the  cool  spring  wind 
fanned  his  forehead  and  lifted  the  wavy  hair 
from  his  bald  head;  then  walking  rapidly  through 
the  streets  until  he .  met  Le  Grand.  Informing 
him,  he  never  thought  to  meet  such  perversity 
in  so  meek  a  face."  One  thing  is  sure,  she  don't 
care  a  cent  for  me!  There  must  be  some  other 
fellow  in  the  background.  Well  I've  given  her 
another  chance.  Mow  I  must  wait  awhile,  ere  I 
begin  again  in  earnest,  for  by  Jove,  I  am  deter- 
mined it  shall  not  be  a  defeat;  this  second  rebuff 
came  too  soon  after  the  first.  Don't  know  though 
whether  the  whistle  will  pay  for  time  and 
trouble." 

With  a  coarse  low  laugh,  Le  Grand  told 
him  to  .bear  his  defeat  like  a  man.  He  had 
been  informed  that  troubles  thick  and  fast  had 
come  to  the  lot  of  the  family.  Doty  had  made 
enemies,  there  were  several  influential  men 


70  HILTON   HALL    . 

jealous  of  him,  and  things  might  shape  them- 
selves. I'll  continue  to  sing  your  praises  and 
manage  the  thing  for  you.  Let  me  tell  you,  old 
man,  you  are  not  her  only  suitor.  There  is  more 
than  one,  would  be  glad  to  give  her  undivided 
attention.  It  may  be  a  relief  to  your  mind  to 
know  that  there  is  a  merchant  in  St.  Louis  not 
many  years  her  senior,  should  she  not  change  her 
mind,  may  one  day  be  her  husband." 

"Yes  I  saw  her  at  the  play,  chatting  away 
with  a  handsome  fellow.  She  puts  on  her  inter- 
esting silence  with  me.  But  do  you  know,  Jim, 
that  at  last  I  have  met  my  doom,  that  I  love, 
well  as  I  am  capable  of  loving,  the  daughter  of 
the  man,  whose  name  seems  to  be  hated  among 
my  friends." 

"You  come  with  me;  you  shall  do  just  as  you 
like.  There  are  only  three  of  us  at  home,  the 
boys  being  away  so  you  can  be  free  as  air; 
beside  Madam  Hoag's  dinner  will  be  waiting." 


HILTON   HALL.  71 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


O  happiness!    Our  being's  end  and  aim! 
Good,  pleasure,  ease,  content!     Whate'er  thy  name: 
That  something  still  which  prompts  the  eternal  sigh, 
For  which  we  bear  to  live,  or  dare  to  die. 

Pope. 

Four  years  had  passed,  during  which  time 
Hilton  had  made  two  and  three  tours  a  year  to 
Salt  Lake  City.  His  admiration  for  Helen 
suffered  no  diminution,  it  increased  rather.  He 
said,  even  as  he  sat  at  his  desk  in  New  York 
City,  her  image  was  a  living  presence  to  him. 
He  was  by  nature  ficke;  yet  his  love  for  her,  had 
increased  steadily  since  that  May  day,  just  after 
the  fifteenth  anniversary  of  her  birth.  He  felt 
sure  it  was  the  love  of  his  life. 

Helen  said,  she  had  no  doubt  but  he  had 
loved  before. 

He  replied,  "I  have  had  one  or  two  empty 
infatuations,  but  love,  such  as  I  feel  for  you, 
never. " 

Then  he  implored  her  to  be  married  to  him, 
that  he  might  have  her  continually  under  his 
care,  and  to  cheer  the  solitude  of  his  bachelor 
home.  I  will  use  every  exertion  to  make  you 


72  HILTON   HALL. 

happy,  and  Edward  will  love  the  j'oung  sister  I 
shall  bring  to  him.  He  is  many,  many  years 
older  than  I  am,  he  being  the  eldest  and  I  the 
youngest  of  five  children.  He  has  vast  wealth 
too,  and  we  will  be  his  heirs.  I  too  am  rich.  A 
gracious  providence  has  prospered  me  in  all  my 
ways,  while  you  living  isolated  from  the  world 
have  so  little." 

"We  may  be  primitive  in  character,  but  not 
so  much  so,  as  your  own  people,  and  if  we  are 
deprived  of  some  of  the  advantages  which  you 
possess,  we  are  also  free  from  many  of  the  faults 
engendered  by  contact  with  the  world,"  replied 
she,  with  some  animation. 

"You  do  not  quite  understand  me.  I  only 
alluded  to  the  advantages  of  travel,  and  not  at 
all  to  your  surroundings.  In  my  inexperience  I 
seem  ever  to  appear  at  a  disadvantage  before  the 
only  being  I  ever  cared  to  please.  Now  Helen, 
I  have  waited  ever  so  patiently  for  you,  hoping 
you  would  love  me  just  a  little.  But  I  will 
marry  you,  even  if  you  do  not  care  for  me,  for  I 
plove  you  so  much  I  cannot  half  express  it,  and 
you  may  learn  to  love  me  after  we  are  married, 
for  I  shall  be  so  kind,  you  must  return  my 
love." 

She  replied,  she  did  not  love  him,  but 
everything  seemed  to  conspire  to  bring  the  event 
about.  It  was  evident  he  would  never  permit 
her  to  have  anyone  else.  No  doubt  but  it  was 


HILTON    HALL.  73 

it  was  fate.'     If  he  chose  to  accept  her  hand, 'then 
she  would  marry  him." 

He  placed  upon  her  finger  a  pearl  ring, 
saying,  he  despised  the  glitter  of  the  diamond. 
A  pearl  was  like  herself,  she  was  his  "Pearl  of 
great  price." 

She  said,  "The  diamond  is  most  beautiful, 
and  your  idea  is  fanciful  to  say  the  least." 

He  laughed,  saying  "You  are  such  an  inde- 
pendent person,  but  I  shall  be  proud  to  introduce 
you  to  my  friends.  Our  first  married  life  will  be 
passed  in  travel,  and  you  will  be  so  polished. 
Do  you  know  you  have  a  very  expressive  face, 
but  you  do  not  smile  often  enough.  You  are  so 
beautiful  when  you  smile  that  I  forgive  you  that 
you  have  treated  me  badly  sometimes.  Now  let 
me  tell  you  something.  When  you  know  the 
world  better,  you  will  know  there  are  many  pit- 
falls for  a  young  married  woman  especially  the 
wife  of  an  old  man.  You  will  see  that  pleasure 
can  allure  to  destruction  in  seemingly  harmless 
shapes,  even  strong  men  are  often  deceived  until 
the  evil  is  upon  them." 

"Do  you  speak  from  experience?" 

"No!  But  understand  me,  many  by  a  fas- 
cinating manner,  cover  a  heart  of  deceit.  1 
merely  tell  you  this,  knowing  that  when  we  are 
married,  you  will  often  be  left  alone,  my  busi- 
ness making  it  necessary  for  you  to  remain  at 

4 


74  HILTON   HALL. 

home;  for  you    could    not   endure    the    fatigue    of 
the  rough  travel  I  constantly  have." 

They  were  now  interrupted  by  the  entrance  of 
the  family,  to  whom  Mr.  Hilton  announced  their 
engagement,  and  proposed  a  speedy  marriage. 
He  must  go  to  Idaho,  business  called  him  there. 
Upon  his  return  he  wished  to  be  married  and 
take  Helen  with  him  to  San  Francisco  and 
Oregon.  All  the  family  debated  the  subject,  and 
ere  he  left  he  obtained  the  promise  that  upon  his 
return  she  would  marry  him. 

The  girls  now  congratulated  Helen.  Grace 
Vivian,  saying:  "One  would  not  imagine  from 
your  manner,  that  the  dignified  Mr.  Hilton,  with 
his  suavity  of  manner,  gracious  smile,  and  vast 
wealth,  had  decided  to  take  you  from  our  midst. 
My  head  would  be  so  engrossed  with  the  com- 
pliment you  have  received,  and  the  conquest  you 
have  made,  that  I  should  not  have  time  to  think 
of  anything  else." 

Aunt  Mary  remarked:  "Helen  was  always 
quiet.  As  a  small  child  when  informed  that  she 
was  going  out,  she  would  fold  her  little  hands, 
and  wait  quietly  until  dressed;  while  her  sisters 
would  clap  their  little  hands  and  sing  for  joy.  So 
the  child  has  never  been  understood." 

The  weeks  were  now  spent  in  arranging  her 
wardrobe  for  travel. 

Among  the  friends  who  congratulated  Helen, 
was  an  eccentric  old  man.  He  returned  the  next 


HILTON    HALL.  75 

day,  saying,  he  believed  in  dreams  and  had  a 
horrible  one.  It  was  that  Mr.  Hilton  appeared 
to  him  as  the  arch  fiend,  he  awoke  with  a  pre- 
monition of  evil,  and  urged  Helen  to  postpone 
her  marriage. 

She  replied  that  she  too  had  a  fearful 
dream,  in  which  Mr.  Hilton  appeared  to  her  in  a 
hideous  form.  But  all  the  rest  laughed,  saying 
"she  was  superstitious." 

Soon  after  this  a  Mr.  Niles  called  to  bring  a 
message  from  Mr.  Hilton,  he  was  a  poet,  and  a 
devout  Mormon.  He  delivered  the  message,  and 
spent  the  evening  conversing  about  the  man; 
every  word  was  a  eulogy.  "His  vast  wealth,  his 
simplicity,  his  great  charity  and  his  devotion  to 
friends."  After  a  few  more  days  he  told  Helen's 
family,  "that  Mr.  Hilton  had  deceived  them,  but 
he  requested  secrecy,  as  he,  himself,  was  owing 
him  a  large  sum  of  money.  Should  he  ofiend 
him,  it  might  make  it  embarrassing.  But  in 
New  York  City  he  had  a  beautiful  wife  and  three 
lovely  children.  That  she  lived  in  great  splendor 
and  he  had  dined  with  her  several  times.-  That 
he  did  not  approve  of  a  girl  reared  among  Mor- 
mons, marrying  among  outsiders,  they  should 
marry  at  home;  especially  a  girl  like  Helen.  'A 
pearl  of  great  price.'  He  had  hesitated  to  speak 
out,  fearing  to  offend  Mr.  Hilton." 

When  Helen  was  asked  what  she  thought  of 
it,  she  replied:  "It  was  rather  sudden.  Mr. 


76  HILTON   HALL. 

Hilton  had  been  for  years,  seeking  her  hand  in 
marriage;  all  had  insisted  that  it  was  a  most 
brilliant  opportunity.  His  being  an  old  bachelor 
had  been  constantly  discussed  for  four  years; 
now  that  she  had  accepted  him,  came  the  state- 
ment, that  if  true,  made  him  an  infamous 
scoundrel,  a  gra}'  haired  old  sinner,  a  man  mean 
enough  to  deny  his  own  flesh  and  blood.  How- 
ever, he  would  soon  return  and  could  answer  for 
himself !" 

He  soon  returned,  called  at  once  at  the 
cottage,  saying  to  Helen:  "Your  preciousness  I 
never  fully  realized  until  I  left.  The  hours  have 
seemed  like  an  eternity,  and  made  me  know  how 
necessary  you  are  to  my  happiness.  And  you 
did  not  reply  to  my  letters,  why  was  that?" 
*•  "You  wrote  as  if  you  owned  me,  requesting 
that  I  should  not  accept  any  invitation  to  mingle 
with  my  young  friends,  as  you  considered  an 
engagement  as  sacred  as  a  marriage.  You  may 
be  seated,  Mr.  Hilton."  Then  Helen,  looking 
straight  into  his  eyes  said:  "I  have  heard  an 
infamous  rumor  about  you.  It  is  that  you  are  a 
married  man,  and  a  villain.  Mr.  Niles  states 
that  you  already  have  a  family  in  New  York 
City,  that  he  has  met  them." 

There  was  a  sudden  start,  but  no  guilty  look 
rested  on  his  countenance.  He  said:  "It  is 
absolutely  false,  1  never  have  been  married,  nor 
have  I  ever  asked  any  woman  on  earth  to  marry 


HILTON    HALL.  77 

me,  but  you,  Helen.  Come  with  me  at  once  to 
Mr.  Niles,  he  shall  eat  his  words;  what  could 
have  induced  him  to  lie  like  that?  Come  at  once, 
Helen,  what  an  infamous  knave  you  must 
imagine  me  to  be!  Why,  ask  my  friends,  they 
will  tell  you  it  is  all  false.  Am  I  to  lose  the  only 
being  I  ever  loved  because  of  a  lie?" 

Helen  replied,  "Mr.  Niles  requested  us  not  to 
mention  his  name." 

"Should  judge  he  would!  But  he  must  eat 
his  words.  He  came  to  me  in  New  York  City 
asking  to  borrow  one  thousand  dollars,  he  was  far 
from  home  and  embarrassed.  I  had  business 
with  his  brother-in-law  here,  so  loaned  him  the 
money  and  invited  him  to  my  brother's  to  dine, 
then  to  the  theatre.  Edward  is  not  married,  but 
has  a  handsome  brown  stone  front  on  Twenty- 
third  Street,  and  keeps  a  housekeeper.  That  is 
absolutely  all  the  foundation  there  is,  for  Mr. 
Niles  assertion,  and  I  will  give  you  indisputable 
proof  of  it.  But  respectfully  request  you  to  go 
with  me  to  interview  him." 

"No  matter,"  replied  she,  "we  will  drop  the 
subject." 

"And  will  you  marry  me   as   you   promised?" 

"No!" 

"Why  Helen,  I  can't  undertand  you;  you  are 
so  unlike  yourself!" 

"On  the  contrary,"  she  said  haughtily,  "it  is 
you,  who  seem  to  have  lost  all  correct  judgment 


78  HILTON    HALL. 

and  all  sense  of  what  is  right  and  wrong.  Should 
I  ever  marry  you,  it  will  take  time,  reflection  and 
careful  investigation." 

He  left  at  once,  sending  back  letters  mailed 
at  Denver,  and  letters  from  his  partners;  also 
from  his  cousins  at  Sioux  City,  Iowa,  and  from 
others,  some  of  whom  they  knew,  stating,  that 
"Mr.  Hilton  had  been  in  business  with  them  for 
twenty  years,  and  was  just  what  he  claimed 
to  be." 

Spring  of  1865  had  come,  the  winds  were 
cold,  and  clouds  often  dimmed  the  sky;  but  the 
meadows  were  beautifully  green,  and  dotted  here 
and  there  with  early  flowers,  the  pink  of  the 
peach  blosson,  scented  the  morning  air  while  in 
the  limpid  streams,  the  trees  reflected  their 
bright  green  leaves.  All  this  time  Helen  had 
not  seen,  but  had  constantly  received  letters  and 
messages  from  her  troublesome  lover.  He  had 
cleared  himself  from  the  impeachment.  But 
calumny  always  leaves  a  stain,  and  she  found  it 
difficult  to  trust  him.  However,  she  was  again 
persuaded,  and  promised  after  one  year  of  study 
to  consider  the  proposal. 


HILTON   HALL.  79 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


THE    JOURNEY. 

The  Western  waves  of  ebbing  day 
Roll'd  o'er  the  glen  their  level  way; 
Each  purple  peak,  each  flinty  spire, 
Was  bathed  in  floods  of  living  fire. 

Scott. 


August  10th  H  came  warm  and  bright.  To 
Helen  it  will  always  be  remembered  as  a  day  of 
pleasure,  fcr  it  was  her  first  long  journey  outside 
her  mountain  home. 

Two  o'clock  found  their  friends  at  the  gate  to 
bid  them  adieu  and  bon  voyage.  The  stage  was 
prompt  and  only  waited  long  enough  for  them  to 
climb  in.  There  was  but  one  passenger,  a  man 
with  gun  and  pistols,  the  driver,  messenger  and 
the  father  and  daughter.  They  went  directly 
South  past  Provo  Lake,  Camp  Floyd,  crossed  the 
Jordan  and  to  the  Great  American  Desert.  At 
Camp  Floyd  they  were  joined  by  an  old  Indian 
scout  who  insisted  that  Helen  would  be  scalped, 
ere  they  reached  Austin,  Nevada.  The  Indians 
had  been  ugly  of  late.  Then  he  told  of  the 
dreadful  scenes  he  had  witnessed.  "There,  do 
you  see  that  little  rise  of  ground?  There  is 
where  the  Sioux  cut  up  so  and  so."  One,  the 


80  HILTON   HALL. 

messenger,  Helen  knew.  Said  the  Scout,  "I  was 
upon  the  mountain  yonder  seeing  the  stage  stop,' 
raised  my  glass  and  saw  all.  There  were  no 
passengers;  the  driver  and  messenger  were  chat- 
ting, when  just  as  they  approached  the  knoll,  the 
Indians  lying  low,  so  they  could  not  be  seen,  sent 
a  shower  of  arrows,  killing  the  leading  horse,  and 
wounding  both  driver  and  messenger.  Then  the 
black  imps  took  the  young  men  and  proceeded 
with  exquisite  torture,  to  cut  them  up,  keeping 
life  in  them  as  long  as  possible." 

When  dusk  came  the  Indians  moved  off,  then 
the  Scout  came,  put  his  horse  in  the  place  of  the 
dead  one,  placed  the  bodies  in  the  coach,  took 
the  driver's  seat,  and  brought  them  to  the  nearest 
station,  but  it  required  much  argument  and 
several  prayers,  ere  he  could  summon  sufficient 
courage  to  go  to  them. 

The  stage  coach  went  rumbling  and  jolting 
along,  sometimes  sinking  to  the  hubs  in  the 
sand,  then  rising  so  abruptly  as  to  unseat  you, 
then  settling  you  in  a  manner  anything  but 
pleasant. 

Mr.  Doty  sat  with  the  driver,  where  they  say 
there  is  much  less  jolting.  They  would  travel  for 
hours,  with  no  sound  but  the  click  of  the  tele- 
graph wire,  and  the  blood  curdling  stories  of  the 
Scout.  The  horses  went  at  a  brisk  pace  for 
twelve  miles,  then  were  exchanged  for  four 
fresh  ones. 


HILTON    HALL.  81 

The  desert  is  destitute  of  water  or  vegetation, 
^excepting  the  grease  wood.  At  this  season  of 
the  year  it  presents  the  appearance  of  a  lake  of 
sand.  It  was  strewn  with  the  bones  of  dead 
animals.  Emigrants  used  to  bring  w^ter  in 
barrels  for  their  use  while  crossing,  but  did  not 
always  have  enough  for  their  animals.  At  the 
twelve  mile  stations,  there  are  artesian  wells,  but 
the  water  is  brackish  and  warm,  with  an  un- 
pleasant smell,  the  trip  is  uninteresting  and  of 
the  roughest,  one  is  smothered  with  sand  and 
dust,  and  suffers  with  intolerable  thirst. 

The  only  event  breaking  the  monotony  was  the 
Indians  constantly  met  on  the  road.  They  would 
peep  in  upon  you,  when  the  stage  stopped  the 
strongest  and  swiftest  runners  would  hurry  away, 
disappear  for  time,  make  some  short  cut,  then  as 
the  coach  turned  a  bend  in  the  road,  they  would 
be  seen  way  ahead,  where  they  would  stand 
waiting  for  the  coach  to  come  up.  They  called 
them  the  advance  guard.  Now  and  then  was 
seen  a  lonely  grave.  The  Scout  knew  all  about 
it,  he  or  his  friends  having  witnessed  the  killing. 
He  would  relate  the  story  beginning  with  the 
demoniacal  whoop — ending  with  the  lonely  inter- 
ment after  the  red-skins  had  moved  away. 

At  Austin,  Nevada,  there  came  aboard  sixteen 
passengers,  all  men,  with  lunch  basket  and 
portmanteau,  making  nineteen  in  all.  There 
were  nine  inside,  all  seemed  absorbed  in  the  idea 


82  HILTON   HALL. 

of  making  the  journey  as    comfortable  for  them- 
selves as  possible,  without  regard  for  the  feelings4 
of  others,   with  but  two   exceptions,    one    a    stout 
good  natured  German,    the    other   a   young   man 
from  Nevada. 

When  they  came  aboard,  there  was  some  talk 
of  possible  danger  from  the  "Injins."  But  they 
were  informed  "at  this  time  all  was  serene,  as 
there  had  just  been  a  massacre  and  the  soldiers 
had  punished  them  killing  their  chief,  a  cruel 
demon,  so  they  were  subdued." 

The  stage  passed  a  pile  of  rocks  where  they 
had  thrown  his  body.  The  men  looked  at  him,  one 
remarked,  "He  has  killed  some  of  my  friends, 
and  I  would  like  to  see  his  body  mashed,"  but 
amagine  he  was  satisfied,  as  all  just  glanced, 
turned  away,  not  one  speaking  of  him  again. 

They  crossed  Reese  river,  the  deepest  water 
was  perhaps  one  foot.  Helen  asked  why  it  was 
called  a  river.  "Because  it  was  such  in  the 
spring,  when  the  snow  melts  and  the  rain  falls." 
It  takes  its  rise  in  the  Toyabe  range  of  moun- 
tains, in  Ney  County,  its  source  is '  near  the 
center  of  the  state,  although  narrow  and  shallow 
it  has  a  length  of  150  miles.  It  passes  through 
a  limestone  country  and  has  several  sinks.  In  the 
spring,  with  high  water,  its  channel  leads  into 
the  Humbolt  river.  There  are  many  fine  valleys 
along  the  river  so  they  said. 

After  a  time  they  began  to  ascend  the  moun- 


HILTON    HALL.  83 

tains,  the  road  is  narrow  and  wound  along  amid 
4rocky  passes,  the  mountains  on  one  side  the  road, 
the  other  side  steep  and  precipitous.  Some 
times  the  road  winds  three  times  around  the 
mountain  ere  it  reaches  the  next,  so  steep  is  the 
ascent.  Every  now  and  then  are  glimpses  of 
scenery,  marvelous  ior  grandeur  and  beauty. 

From  the  higher  summits  looking  into  the 
valley  below,  tall  trees  appear  like  shrubs,  the 
thought  of  an  accident  made  one  wonder  how 
well  they  had  said  their  prayers. 

Winding  amid  these  picturesque  and  romantic 
scenes,  by  three  o'clock  in  the  morning  they 
arrive  at  Virginia  City,  where  they  remain  until 
ten  o'clock.  The  hotel  was  pretty.  After  a  bath 
Helen  retired  for  three  hours.  The  bed  was  soft, 
the  morning  air  balmy.  It  seemed  to  her  perfect 
happiness  to  lie  down  after  five  days  and  nights 
in  the  stage  coach,  where  sleep  was  impossible. 
The  stops  of  twenty  minutes  three  times  a  day, 
gave  one  but  a  few  moments  exercise.  She  was 
so  fatigued  she  could  not  close  her  eyes,  the  lids 
refusing  to  drop  over  them.  However,  the  rest 
was  refreshing,  the  breakfast  good,  the  ladies 
pretty  and  not  afraid  of  their  sex.  They  chatted 
without  the  formality  of  an  introduction  and 
kindly  suggested  what  would  make  the  journey 
more  comfortable. 

Leaving  here  they  bade  adieu  to  some  of  the 
tourists,  but  as  many  more  came  aboard.  Travel- 


84  HILTON   HALL. 

ing  through  the  Sierra  Nevada  Mountains,  they 
forgot  their  weariness  in  looking  at  the  majestic 
landscape  which  was  sometimes  fairly  intoxicat- 
ing. Upon  reaching  Carson  City,  they  exchanged 
passengers,  for  as  many  came  aboard  as  remained. 

Here  Helen's  delight  was  beyond  expression, 
when  a  young  girl  came  aboard.  With  the  free- 
masonry, so  common  among  girls  they  were  fast 
friends,  ere  an  hour  had  passed.  Here,  too,  she 
first  felt  insult,  owing  to  her  surroundings,  as  all 
those  rude  men,  were  instantly  the  "pink  ot  perfec- 
tion" for  she  was  a  lady  whom  they  knew. 

As  it  grew  chilly,  one  man  exclaimed  "Ugh! 
its  cold,  1  wish  I  had  rny  cloak."  Helen  said, 
"Are  you  not  wearing  one?" 

He  understood,  and  apologized,  saying  he 
had  two  sisters  at  home,  and  would  not  like  them 
to  learn  he  could  be  rude  to  a  lady,  and  added, 
"Men  become  very  selfish  on  a  journey  where  dis- 
comforts were  many." 

It  was  just  sun  down,  when  the  stage  coach 
turned  a  bend  in  the  road,  and  they  came  to  the 
very  edge  of  Lake  Tahoe.  Ensconced  amid  the 
mountains  at  an  altitude  6,225  feet  above  sea 
level,  on  the  borders  of  Nevada  and  California, 
in  the  Sierra  Nevadas.  Its  length  twenty-two 
and  a  half  miles,  greatest  width  thirteen  miles, 
its  depth  1,506  feet,  its  waters  not  blue,  but 
wonderfully  clear,  looking  like  a  sheet  of  glass, 


HILTON  HALL.  85 

surrounded  like  a  \vall  by  the  mountains  while 
the  beautiful  pines  peeped  up  through  the  snow. 

One  German  exclaimed,  "Tahoe,  a  jewel  with 
an  emerald  setting,"  while  an  old  Jew  said,  "Yes 
a  diamond  of  purest  ray."  The  mountains  and 
pines  with  Heaven  itself,  was  reflected  in  its 
transparent  depths.  "It  was  sublimely  beautiful, 
restful,"  Helen  said  to  her  father.  "I  am  not  so 
weary  now. " 

The  mountain  peaks  towering  above  the 
clouds  reflected  the  light  of  the  setting  sun, 
while  the  valleys  below  were  in  deep  shadow. 
The  air  was  fragrant  with  pine  which  was  delight- 
fully refreshing.  A  great  contrast  to  that  inter- 
minable road,  where  the  moonlight  revealed  only 
the  vast  silent  desert,  stretched  far  away  to  the 
right  and  left.  Upon  reaching  the  station  perched 
near  the  summit,  they  had  a  delicious  dinner, 
where  in  place  of  bacon  and  potatoes,  poor  tea 
and  coffee,  owing  to  brackish  water,  they  had 
sweet  water,  fruit,  vegetables,  trout,  fowl  and 
dessert. 

There  was  nothing  but  fatigue  in  the  cramped 
stage,  until  they  reached  Marysville,  where  they 
took  the  cars  for  Sacramento  City. 

Miss  May  Brown  was  an  agreeable  companion. 
She  and  Helen  entered  into  an  agreement  not  to 
separate  until  they  were  compelled  to.  At  Sacra- 
mento City  they  had  breakfast,  received  some 
friends,  then  at  twelve  o'clock  took  the  boat  for 


86  HILTON  HALL. 

San  Francisco,  having  been  eight  days  and 
nights  in  the  stage  coach,  with  but  five  hours 
rest. 

'Twas  said,  the  windings  of  the  river  were 
beautiful,  but  utcer  exhaustion  compelled  Helen 
to  retire.  She  invited  Miss  May  to  share  her 
stateroom.  In  a  moment  sound  sleep  shut  out 
all  noise  until  the  whistle  blew  at  San  Francisco, 
one  o'clock  at  night. 

When  the  boat  stopped,  it  seemed  like  babel. 
The  screams  of  the  Chinamen,  "Cally  your  bag- 
gage for  nothing."  The  cries  of  hackmen,  the 
noise  and  confusion  of  landing.  Helen  was  glad 
when  someone  caught  her  arm,  saying,  "This 
way,  you  will  stop  at  our  hotel,  we  have  engaged 
rooms  for  you. "  Looking  up,  she  was  surprised  to 
see  Donnallen  Hilton,  whose  presence  there  was 
unexpected.  He  had  come  via  Panama,  and 
explained  that  he  came  aboard  at  Benicia  to 
meet  them,  but  her  father  would  not  permit  her  to 
be  disturbed. 


HILTON    HALL.  87 


CHAPTER  XV. 


SAN  TRTWCISCO. 

"Too  late  I  stayed — forgive  the  crime, 
Unheeded  flew  the  hours, 
How  noiseless  falls  the  foot  of  time, 
That  only  treads  on  flowers." 

Spencer. 

** 

Saturday  came,  a  beautiful  smiling  mid- 
summer day,  with  the  pleasant  breath  of  a  sea 
wind  blowing  through  the  radiance  of  its  warmth 
and  light.  Ugliness,  not  beauty  is  conceded  of 
the  approach  to  San  Francisco.  Surrounded  by 
great  sand  banks  and  barren  rocks,  the  city 
seems  gloomy,  the  bay  is  most  beautiful,  com- 
pletely land  locked  with  a  length  of  seventy 
miles,  and  along  the  coast  line  the  scenery  is 
ever  changing  and  grand.  The  islands,  too,  are  a 
picture.  Ascending  Telegraph  Hill,  nothing  can 
surpass  the  beauty  of  the  scene.  The  city  to  Helen 
seemed  large.  The  houses  were  built  chiefly  of 
frame,  owing  to  frequent  earthquakes.  The 
public  edifices  are  of  brick.  It  contains  several 
theatres,  a  fine  library,  elegant  churches,  a 
school  of  fine  arts,  and  the  musical  advantages 
were  equal  to  those  of  New  York  City.  The 
audience  at  an  opera  the  most  critical  in  America. 


88  HILTON   HALL. 

Woodward's  Gardens  contained  a  cabinet  of 
Natural  History.  The  city  was  then  carrying  on 
a  trade  with  all  nations.  Anchored  in  her  bay, 
were  ships  from  all  the  known  world.  While  in  a 
ten  minute's  walk,  you  encountered  the  people 
from  all  strange  countries  in  their  various  cos- 
tumes, which  made  the  moving  throng  a  constant 
delight  to  Helen,  who  would  stand  at  her  window 
for  hours  watching  the  gaily  dressed  people  pass, 
telling  her  father  she  would  not  leave  until  all 
had  passed  by.  He  smilingly  replied,  "It  would, 
no  doubt  last  until  a  late  hour." 

The  time  passed  pleasantly.  With  operas 
where  Madam  La  Grange  excelled  in  Norma, 
Somnambula,  Traviata,  Faust  and  Bohemian  Girl. 
The  theatre  was  not  finer  than  that  at  home. 
During  the  day  Helen  would  walk  about  the  city 
until  weariness  compelled  her  to  return  tcr  the 
hotel.  During  her  sight  seeing  she  was  much 
annoyed  by  Mr.  Hilton.  While  gazing  at  seme 
beautiful  scene,  or  stopping  to  breathe  the 
fragrance  from  some  flower,  she  would  hear  him 
say,  "Permit  me  to  accompany  you,  I  wish  to 
show  you  some  painting,  flower  or  bird,  which 
you  will  find  interesting."  He  would  stride  along 
at  a  break  neck  speed,  giving  her  only  a  glimpse 
of  them,  leave  her  abruptly  and  return  to  his 
business.  He  pursued  her  like  her  shadow, 
one  day  telling  her  he  had  followed  her  all  day 
long,  fearing  something  might  happen  to  her. 


HILTON   HALL.  89 

She  had  noticed  the  moment  she  was  inter- 
ested in  anything,  she  would  hear  his  stealthy 
footsteps.  Once  when  she  called  upon  a  friend: 
no  sooner  had  the  bell  boy,  who  took  her  card, 
returned  with  "the  lady  will  see  you  in  her 
room,"  than  some  one  remarked,  "Don't  remain 
long,  I  shall  be  pleased  to  show  you  this  or 
that." 

Helen  unable  to  keep  her  temper,  told  him 
she  would  like  to  do  her  sight  seeing  without  his 
espionage,  and  when  there  was  something  beauti- 
ful to  be  seen,  would  like  leisure  to  view  it.  He 
replied  "she  might  not  see  all  in  her  few  days 
sojourn  here."  Where  he  came  from  was  a 
mystery,  stroll  where  she  would  she  was  sure  to 
meet  him,  while  he  called  at  her  room  twenty 
times  a  day,  as  his  cards  proved.  However 
weary  she  was,  he  was  not  polite  enough  to  go — 
while  he  insisted  upon  her  sitting  at  his  table 
and  taking  meals  with  him.  No  difference  to 
him  when  she  pleaded  she  was  in  need  of  repose, 
he  said  she  could  rest  all  the  time,  when  she 
went  aboard  the  steamer  for  New  York. 

Helen  intended  finishing  her  education  at  a 
Young  Ladies  Seminary  in  Philadelphia.  At  the 
close  of  the  school  year,  she  was  pledged  to 
marry  him,  providing  they  were  still  of  the  same 
mind.  Meeting  in  California  some  young  ladies 
of  the  college,  they  were  mutually  charmed. 
They  urged  Helen  to  remain  with  them  in  lovely 


90  HILTON   HALL. 

California.  Upon  finding  old  man  Hilton's 
attentions  tiring,  and  thinking  a  voyage  under 
his  guardian  care  might  prove  unpleasant,  she 
determined,  with  the  consent  of  her  father,  which 
was  freely  given,  to  remain.  All  preparations 
being  made,  she  gave  up  her  berth  on  the 
steamer,  did  some  shopping  for  her  friends  at 
home,  and  bought  such  things  as  must  be  fur- 
nished by  the  pupils  at  school,  packed  her  trunks, 
then  saw  her  father  off  on  the  boat,  for  his 
return  home.  As  they  reached  the  door  of  the 
hotel,  Mr.  Hilton  was  waiting.  "I  had  a  few 
moments  leisure,  and  will  see  you  on  the  boat,  then 
escort  Miss  Helen  back  to  the  hotel.  Will  also 
be  pleased  to  go  with  her  to  the  school.  Will 
have  my  fri-nds  make  her  sojourn  pleasant,  and 
should  she  be  ill  or  homesick  they  will  be  most 
kind  to  her."  All  the  time  he  was  speaking, 
Helen  saw  him  making  signs  to  an  ill  looking 
fellow,  every  time  her  father  was  engaged  about 
his  baggage  which  for  a  moment  made  her 
think  of  the  instincts  of  her  first  interview. 

Bidding  her  father  farewell,  they  watched  the 
boat,  until  lost  to  sight,  then  retraced  their  steps 
to  the  hotel.  Mr.  Hilton  pointing  out  places  of 
interest,  while  he  informed  her  he  should  not  sail 
on  the  steamer,  but  remain  in  California  a  few 
days  longer.  Lea\ing  her  at  the  door  of  the 
hotel  with  the  information  he  would  dine  with 
her,  then  take  her  to  the  Fair,  as  the  Governor 


HILTON   HALL.  91 

and  staff  would  attend  that  evening.  Some  old 
friends  from  Benicia  called,  and  were  much  dis- 
appointed in  not  meeting  Mr.  Doty.  Their  inter- 
view was  cut  short  by  Mr.  Hilton  coming  in  an- 
nouncing dinner.  With  a  promise  to  meet  them 
at  the  Fair,  Helen  bade  them  adieu. 

During  dinner,  Mr.  Hilton  asked  Helen  if  she 
wished  to  travel,  saying  he  had  been  thinking  he 
had  waited  long  for  her,  how  devotedly  he  had 
loved  her,  she  would  never  know;  he  feared  to 
lose  her,  should  he  leave  her  there.  As  she  was 
as  well  educated  as  the  average  young  lady,  she 

• 

could  gain  knowledge  and  acquire  a  polished 
manner  by  travel.  Would  she  not  marry  him 
then?  He  would  arrange  his  business  and  they 
would  "Tour  the  world."  He  had  long  intended 
doing  so,  but  upon  his  engagement  to  her,  had 
postponed  it  that  she  might  accompany  him. 
Helen  replied,  it  would  not  be  wise.  While  he 
knew  her  family  well,  she  knew  nothing  of  his, 
and  little  of  him,  only  by  correspondence  and 
thinking  of  her  unpleasant  first  impressions  of 
him,  said  "that  to  act  without  sufficient  thought, 
was  often  to  fall  into  unsuspected  dangers." 

He  deeply  regretted  her  dislike  of  him,  thought 
she  was  merely  shy.  No  doubt  he  was  so  much  older 
than  she  was,  he  inspired  a  little  awe.  Should 
she  consent,  her  life  would  be  •  full  of  pleasure. 
He  would  be  so  kind,  he  knew  such  boundless 
love  as  his  would  inspire  a  return.  Returning  to 


92  HILTON    HALL. 

her  room  he  fell  down  upon  his  knees,  he  plead, 
he  wept,  he  implored.  Until  finding  it  was  in  the 
small  hours  of  the  night,  in  sheer  desperation 
she  consented  to  marry  him. 

He  took  from  his  pocket  a  wedding  ring 
asking  her  if  it  would  fit,  as  he  wished  to  procure 
an  engagement  ring.  He  noticed  she  did  not 
wear  the  one  he  gave  her.  He  imagined  she  was 
offended  because  it  was  not  a  diamond. 

If  she  wished  a  diamond,  she  should  have 
one.  But  she  was  aware  he  hated  the  cold  flash 
of  the  jewel. 

She  was  sorry  to  inform  him,  the  pearl  he 
gave  her  was  paste  and  upon  her  washing  her 
hands,  it  had  dissolved.  He  was  extremely  sorry, 
the  man  had  surely  changed  the  ring. 

Telling  her  now  her  father  was  gone,  she 
must  behave  circumspectly,  he  bade  her  goodnight. 


HILTON   HALL.  93 


CHAPTER    XVI. 


THE  MHRRIRGE- 

Disposed  to  wed,  e'en  while  you  hasten,  stay; 
There's  great  advantage  in  a  small  delay; 
Delay  shall  knowledge  yield  on  either  part, 
And  show  the  nature  of  the  vanquished  heart; 
The  humors,  passions,  merits,  failings  prove, 
And  gently  raise  the  veil  that's  worn  by  love. 

Crabbe. 

Helen  retired,  but  long  ere  she  slept.  At  six 
o'clock  Hilton  rapped  at  her  door,  asking  her 
to  breakfast  with  him.  In  vain  she  pleaded 
fatigue,  so  hurriedly  dressing,  met  him  in  the 
hall.  He  said,  everything  was  arranged  for  their 
marriage.  They  took  the  four  o'clock  train  for 
San  Jose,  where  the  marriage  was  to  be  per- 
formed by  a  friend  of  his,  and  give  her  at  the 
same  time  an  opportunity  to  see  the  beautiful 
country.  The  train  was  filled  with  a  gay  throng. 
There  was  to  be  a  grand  ball  there  that  evening. 
So  there  were  many  pretty  ladies  with  their 
cavaliers  going  to  attend,  and  chatting,  music 
and  laughter  was  on  all  sides.  Mr.  Hilton  left 
Helen  for  a  moment.  Some  young  girls  came  to 


94  HILTON   HALL. 

her,    smiling   and    said,     "Is    the    old    gentleman 
your-father?" 

"No." 

"Your  husband?" 

"No!"  answered  Helen,   "he  is  my  betrothed." 

Then  a  lady  some  years  older  said,  "Poor 
child,  I  pity  you.  Do  you  know,  all  the  girls  have 
been  watching  you,  and  are  prepossessed  in  your 
favor,  but  they'  just  hate  the  old  man.  Do  you 
know,  dear,  when  your  attention  was  attracted  by 
the  girls,  he  gave  you  the  blackest  looks  I  ever 
saw.  Do  your  friends  know  him,  dear?" 

"Yes!" 

"Well  he  is  crafty  and  jealous  now,  God  pity 
you  after  he  makes  you  his  wife." 

The  conversation  made  a  great  impression 
upon  Helen  and  when  he  returned  she  informed 
him  the  marriage  should  be  postponed. 

This  he  would  not  hear  to  for  a  moment. 
Saying  he  would  uot  permit  her  to  jilt  him  after 
all  was  prepared. 

Too  soon   the    train   arrived.     Mr.  Hilton    pro- 
posed they  should  go  at  once  to  the  minister. 

There  were  no  wedding  favors,  there  was  no- 
thing about  them  to  attract  the  curious  as  they 
walked  down  the  street.  Helen  was  attired  in  a 
black  silk  dress.  The  parsonage  was  a  pretty  place, 
with  mosses  of  roses  and  sweet  cyclome,  and 
many  choice  flowers.  The  minister  Rev  W— 
performed  the  marriage  ceremony. 


HILTON    HALL.  95 

Leaving  here,  a  short  distance  from  the  house, 
was  a  convent.  The  light  had  scarcely  died  out 
of  the  sky  on  that  fair  August  night,  when  the 
young  moon  set.  From  the  woods  of  the  Convent, 
a  faint  sweet  sound,  like  the  echo  of  a  aeolian 
harp,  reached  their  ears  and  horn  the  fountains 
came  a  soft  murmur.  They  stood  there  enjoying  the 
perfume  and  sweet  sounds,  then  walked  on  to  the 
hotel,  for  this  man  of  millions  never  once  sug- 
gested a  carriage. 

The  hotel  was  a  beauty,  just  completed; 
tonight  it  was  more  than  full.  But  Mr.  Hilton 
had  engaged  a  suite  of  rooms  brightly  lighted  and 
brightly  furnished.  There  was  satin  paper  upon 
the  walls,  a  gold  and  green  dodo,  some  modern 
water-colored  paintings,  pretty  fancy  tables,  low 
satin  chairs  and  sofa,  Japanese  screens,  Damask 
curtains  over  lace,  a  cottage  piano.  Throwing 
open  the  window  Helen  viewed  the  landscape, 
and  beyond  in  the  deep  blue  of  the  skies,  the 
stars  of  Orion  gleamed.  She  thought  it  a  land 
most  fair,  with  sunny  skies  and  song-birds  rare. 
Flowers  of  richest  bloom  were  everywhere.  Mr. 
Hilton  coming  in  stood  near  the  window,  saying, 
"Is  not  this  beautiful,  my  darling?"  Then  he 
told  her  of  the  extreme  poverty  of  his  youth,  his 
humble  home  and  of  his  mother,  her  sad  death, 
how  he  always  hung  bright  flowers  upon  the 
grating  of  the  vault  he  built  for  her  when  he 
grew  rich.  He  wished  she  might  have  lived  to 


96  HILTON   HALL. 

know  her,  for  she  would  love  and  welcome  her  as 
a  daughter,  Little  did  he  imagine  in  his  most 
extravagant  dreams  of  occupying  rooms  like 
these.  When  a  small  boy,  he  thought  if  ever 
he  were  rich  enough  to  buy  a  pound  of  French 
candy,  his  happiness  would  be  complete.  That 
his  first  purchase  after  he  was  successful  in  specu- 
lation, was  the  coveted  sweets.  He  said  that  he 
had  passed  through  rough  scenes  and  there  was  a 
black  page  in  his  history  he  wished  her  to  read 
that  night,  lest  at  some  future  day  it  should  be 
told  her. 

She  asked  him,  "If  it  was  anything  that  would 
have  made  a  difference,  had  she  known  it  ere 
their  marriage?" 

He  answered,   "No — on  my  honor,   no." 

Then  said  she,  "Keep  the  dark  page  to  your- 
self, since  she  could  not  remed} — no  need  to 
think  ill  of  him." 

"Then  promise  me,  should  you  ever  hear 
aught  against  me,  to  come  first  to  me,  ere  you 
advise  with  anyone  else." 

Helen  replied,  she  was  amazed  at  his  con- 
versation, began  to  fear  his  constant  esponiage 
had  been  to  prevent  any  conversation  in  refer- 
ence, to  himself,  lest  she  should  have  heard 
things  not  complimentary. 

"Oh  no,"  he  replied,  "but  there  should  be  no 
secrets  between  a  man  and  his  wife." 


HILTON    HALL.  97 

She  answered  she  had  none,  there  were  no 
black  pages  in  their  family  history. 

Upon  reaching  San  Francisco  he  told  her  time 
was  limited  and  she  must  procure  such  things  as 
she  needed  for  the  voyage  to  France,  where  they 
would  remain  some  weeks,  ere  making  their  long 
tour.  While  talking,  there  came  a  rap  at  the 
door,  and  in  walked  a  petite  woman,  blue  eyed, 
with  a  cunning  gleam  and  a  walk  that  would 
make  her  observed.  She  was  dressed  in  deep 
mourning,  and  asked  for  Donnallen  Hilton.  His 
face  paled,  but  walking  toward  her,  he  said, 
"Madam,  leave  the  room,  this  lady  is  not  accus- 
tomed to  such  as  you."  She  left  the  room 
instantly;  he  followed  her. 

Returning  said,  "I  deeply  regret  this  intru- 
sion, but  the  creature  banks  with  me — she  called 
on  business. 

Helen  replied,  "She  had  never  been  deceived 
by  her  friends,  and  could  not  tell  if  he  was 
deceiving  her,  knew  there  were  wicked  women 
in  the  world,  but  in  what  shape,  had  never  been 
revealed  to  her.  She  thought  that  woman  seemed 
crafty  and  jealous." 

"No,  no!  You  judge  her  wrongly,  she  is 
nothing  to  me,  nothing."  So  there  it  ended. 
For  the  time  at  least.  Hilton  now  went  to  his 
office,  not  returning  until  six  o'clock.  He  handed 
her  a  dispatch  from  his  brother,  it  read: 


98  HILTON  HALL. 

NEW  YORK  CITY, 

August  25th,  1865.     Ten  a.m. 
"Return  at  once,  important  business. 

E.   HILTON." 

He  said,  "Helen,  you  may  now  prepare  to 
remain  at  school.  You  are  not  to  sail  with  me." 

She  protested  against  this,  telling  him  it 
would  place  her  in  a  preposterous  light,  should 
their  marriage  be  published,  which  she  would 
not  permit,  if  she  was  to  be  left. 

He  replied,  "Not  to  publish  the  nuptials  might 
one  day  cause  her  great  uneasiness,  particularly 
as  he  was  doing  business  with  so  many  agents. 
Should  aught  happen  to  him,  she  might  be 
cruelly  robbed  of  the  vast  wealth  that  was  her's 
by  marriage." 

No  need  to  dwell  upon  the  scene  that  fol- 
lowed, which  lasted  until  time  for  early  breakfast. 
It  ended  by  Mr.  Hilton  taking  Helen  to  the  school, 
and  revealing  to  the  preceptress  that  she  was  his 
wife,  and  only  Helen  knew.  He  could  lie  and 
cheat  with  exquisite  dexterity  and  with  a  smile 
that  deceived  the  closest  observer.  Helen  was 
introduced  to  the  young  ladies,  then  shown  to 
her  room,  where  she  was  to  live  high  up  in  the 
air  with  matchless  views  of  limitless  horizons  and 
mountains  and  valleys.  After  dinner  she  had  an 
interview  with  the  preceptress,  who  sent  a  mes- 
senger to  say  she  would  see  her  in  one  of  the 
recitation  rooms. 


HILTON   HALL.  99 

Madam  said,  "My  dear  child,  it  is  out  of  the 
question  that  I  should  tell  anyone  of  my  inter- 
view with  Mr.  Hilton,  it  would  be  impossible 
to  protect  you  from  ridicule,  should  the  facts  be- 
come known."  She  advised  silence,  "but  let  your 
conduct  be  such,  as  to  keep  his  esteem  and  com- 
pletely win  his  confidence.  And  in  the  mean- 
time, carry  out  your  plan  of  study  and  improve- 
ment. Should  an  overwhelming  sorrow  be  in 
store  for  you,  meet  it  bravely.  "Commending 
her  to  the  care  of  Divine  Providence,  and  tell- 
ing her  always  to  come  to  her  in  perfect  confi- 
dence. They  returned  to  the  Chapel  for  prayers, 
after  which  Helen  retired  to  her  room.  After  the 
goodnights  were  said,  she  read  a  letter  handed 
her  by  the  old  man,  when  he  bade  her  farewell. 

SAN  FRANCISCO,  30th. 

"Mv  PRECIOUS  WIFE. — You  are  not  wise  to 
deceive  your  mates.  Tell  them  of  our  marriage 
and  if  they  ridicule  you,  as  you  seem  to  think, 
wire  me,  don't  wait  to  write  and  I'll  come  to 
you.  Am  sorry  that  I  gave  you  no  memento  of 
me;  in  my  hurry  forgot  it.  God  bless  you,  Helen. 

"DONNALLEN    HlLTON.  " 

Helen  tore  the  letter  into  bits.  Opening  the 
window,  held  them  out  where  the  sea  breeze 
blew  them  hither  and  yon.  Looking  up,  there  in 
the  deep  blue  of  the  sky,  sparkling  and  bright 
was  Orion's  sword  and  belts. 


100  HILTON    HALL. 

Dropping  her  head  upon  her  hands,  she 
sobbed  bitterly  until  nearly  midnight,  when  a 
heavy  earthquake  ended  this  eventful  day. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


7\T  SCHOOL. 

"Out  in  the  dark,  out  in  the  night, 
L/ost  in  the  chill  and  gloom, 
I  know  that  the  moon  is  shining  now, 
Into  my  darling's  room." 

Saturday  Helen  took  her  opera  glass  and 
watched  the  steamer  as  she  sailed  through  the 
Golden  Gate.  Then  to  the  study  room,  where 
two  hours  is  devoted  to  study  and  darning,  as  the 
washing  is  distributed  and  examined,  and  all 
rents  repaired  ere  they  ascend  to  their  rooms. 
No  pupil  is  allowed  to  ascend  the  stairs  without 
permission,  only  upon  such  hours  as  they  belong 
there.  There  are  parlors  to  receive  guests,  and 
the  study  rooms,  which  are  lighted  during  the 
evenings  —  but  Sunday  from  two  until  six.  All 
young  'ladies  are  commanded  to  remain  in  their 
rooms.  In  the  appearance  ot  Helen's  room, 
there  is  nothing  to  cause  a  second  glance,  plain 
white  walls,  a  cot  bed,  one  chair,  a  homely  wash- 
stand  and  basin,  a  shade  at  the  window,  and  one 
small  trunk.  But  it  often  had  floral  decorations, 
roses,  sweet  peas,  larkspurs,  red  and  white  carna- 


HILTON   HALL.  101 

tions  given  her  by  one  of  the  lady  superinten- 
dents who  took  a  warm  interest  in  her.  From 
her  window  were  seen  the  ivy-grown  oaks,  where 
the  robins  sang  at  night.  Boughs,  where  the 
lark  chanted  her  morning  litany.  This  was  like 
home. 

She  had  decided  at  once  upon  her  course  of 
study,  and  began  with  a  will.  The  next  Friday 
evening,  found  her  with  some  warm  friends,  and 
she  looked  forward  to  many  sunny  hours,  and 
much  improvement,  as  the  teachers  and  pro- 
fessors were  all  first  class.  Every  moment  was 
occupied  with  school  duties  excepting  the  hour 
for  exercise.  Saturday  was  devoted  to  letter 
writing. 

Two  weeks  passed  and  Helen  received  a 
letter,  written  at  sea,  and  mailed  on  a  passing 
steamer.  It  had  been  opened  and  read,  then 
sealed  and  handed  to  her,  the  envelope  still 
damp  with  mucilage. 

The  lady  said  "It  is  a  code  of  the  school  that 
I  am  to  read  letters  if  I  feel  that  it  is  ex- 
pedient." It  read: 

PACIFIC  OCEAN,  September. 
"Mv  DEAR  WIFE. — I  am  so  far  on  my  voyage 
— very  smooth  passage  and  not  sick  an  hour. 
Plenty  of  leisure  to  think,  and  each  moment 
occupied  with  thoughts  of  you.  I  sit  out  on 
deck  until  late  at  night  looking  at  the  moon,  for 


102  HILTON    HALL. 

I  know  it  is  shining  right  into  my  darling's 
room;  and  flatter  myself  she  looks  at  it  too,  and 
is  thinking  of  me. 

"Have  seen  your  white  face  each  day,  and 
know  it  was  not  nice  of  me  to  compel  you  to 
remain  against  your  will,  but  it  won't  be  for  long, 
darling.  You  see,  sort  o' thought  you'd  better 
wait  there  until  I  return.  Business  will  call  me 
back  in  three  months  to  remain  a  long  time.  The 
journey  would  be  too  hard  for  you.  Twice  in 
three  months,  and  I  could  not  remain  long  from 
my  only  love.  When  I  think  of  you  it  seems  as 
if  I  would  exchange  the  world  for  you.  My 
dearest,  dearest,  dearest!  Be  patient,  you  are  in 
a  nice  home,  just  as  nice  as  a  pin.  Study  hard, 
act  with  firmness  and  prudence,  and  when  I 
come  back,  we  will  take  our  contemplated 
journey  around  the  world.  Shall  make  all 
arrangements  for  building  us  a  suitable  mansion, 
on  the  Hudson,  I  guess,  so  it  will  be  ready  for 
us,  when  we  return.  I  have  an  old  couple,  an 
aunt  of  mine,  engaged  to  housekeep  and  tend  the 
garden,  so  you  will  have  no  care.  Should  any- 
thing happen,  or  you  be  sick,  wire  me  and  I'll 
come  to  you  at  once.  Hate  to  stop  writing,  it  is 
such  a  joy  to  know  you  will  read  it,  but  we  will 
soon  pass  the  steamer.  I  have  your  picture  next 
my  heart.  A  thousand  kisses.  God  bless  you. 

"Goodbye,  your  husband. 

"DONNALLEN    HlLTON. 


HILTON    HALL.  103 

Helen  replied  at  once.  "Mr.  Hilton,  your 
long  letter,  written  while  afloat  on  the  Pacific 
received.  Am  perfectly  well,  enjoy  my  studies. 
Had  you  let  me  come  as  Helen  Doty,  should 
have  nothing  to  desire,  but  the  situation  in 
which  your  double  dealing  has  placed  me,  is  any- 
thing but  agreeable.  Have  changed  my  room, 
must  look  far  out  the  window,  to  behold  Luna's 
fair  rays;  if  I  thought  of  you  at  all,  it  would  be 
to  remember  your  uncalled  for  and  inhuman 
cruelty,  which  I  can  no  more  excuse  than  resist. 
From  my  window  is  a  fine  view  of  evergreen 
hills,  which  I  compare  with  our  dazzling  snow- 
mantled  Wasatch. 

"While  I  remain  here,  do  not  again  address 
me  as  your  wife,  to  pose  as  a  deserted  wife! 
the  humiliation  would  be  too  great,  should  the 
letters  fall  into  other  hands.  Phis  one  had  been 
read,  ere  it  reached  me;  the  Preceptress  felt 
solicitude. 

"Trusting  you  are  well.      Sincerely, 

"H.   DOTY." 

The  months  flew  by,  one  teacher  who  was 
fond  of  Helen,  introduced  her  to  her  special 
favorites,  saying  they  would  find  her  an  agreeable 
companion,  though  accustomed  to  society,  she 
seemed  older  than  she  was.  Every  Friday  even- 
ing, the  young  ladies  put  on  their  very  best 
clothes,  those  who  did  not  care  for  dancing, 


104  HILTON   HALL. 

repaired  to  the  parlors,  where  they  went  through 
the  form  of  a  reception,  and  discussed  literature 
or  art,  with  the  teachers,  who  took  this  means  to 
diffuse  knowledge  among  the  pupils.  Some  days 
the  girls  had  jolly  times.  What  appetites  they 
had,  sometimes  going  down  into  the  basement, 
and  calling  softly  to  Maggie,  the  dining-room 
girl,  "Have  you  a  morsel  for  a  hungry  soul?" 

"The  Lord  save  us!  Get  along  with  you. 
Well  thin,  here  is  the  room  where  they  lock  the 
things;  its  mesilf  as  kapes  the  key.  I'll  turn  me 
back;  and  its  between  yersilfs  and  yees  con 
science,  if  yee's  stale  the  refrishments  left  from 
dinner.  Och,  ye  thaivin  divils!  Ue  off  wid  yee. 
Remember  now!  It  manes  expulsion,  if  any  of 
the  rimints  is  found  in  yez  room."  She  was  good 
as  gold,  with  a  big  warm  heart. 

During  vacation,  when  the  great  building  was 
almost  empty,  only  a  few  girls  from  afar  re- 
maining, the  Principal  was  most  kind,  doing 
everything  to  make  it  homelike  and  pleasant; 
while  all  her  invitations  included  "The  young 
ladies  under  her  care."  What  delightful  lunches 
and  dinners  they  were.  On  a  sunny  day,  her 
husband  would  take  them  to  drive,  where  the}' 
had  superb  views  of  mountains,  valleys  and 
landscape.  Then  in  the  shelter  of  the  shrubs  on 
the  banks  of  a  stream,  they  would  sit  down  to  a 
delicious  collation,  then  gather  boquets  of  most 


HILTON   HALL.  105 

beautiful  flowers  to  brighten  their  rooms  at  the 
college. 

Sixteen  months  of  school  had  passed.  Don- 
nallen's  letters  rang  the  same  old  refrain, 
"Return  on  the  next  steamer,"  but  he  never 
came,  nor  did  Helen  expect  him.  She  had 
almost  reached  the  end  of  her  money  and  had 
made  an  engagement  to  teach  music  for  fifty 
dollars  a  month,  board  and  lodging,  and  to  con- 
tinue her  musical  studies  with  the  Professor,  who 
thought  she  would  make  a  name  for  herself.  He 
said  she  had  a  beautiful  voice,  one  among  thou- 
sands of  all  the  fine  voices  in  school,  hers  was 
the  one  that  gave  character  to  the  singing,  and 
in  opera,  if  she  kept  her  health,  she  would  be  a 
success.  He  would  place  her  in  concert  among 
the  French  and  German,  in  California,  and  she 
would  obtain  the  means  to  finish  in  Europe.  He 
thought  with  her  knowledge  of  music,  one  more 
year  with  him  and  one  in  Europe  would  enable 
her  to  sing  in  a  concert  tour,  while  she  was  still 
learning  the  languages  and  grand  opera.  This 
had  been  the  dream  of  her  life.  So  she  resolved 
to  leave  the  school  at  Christmas  time. 

Her  trunks  were  packed,  her  bills  paid.  She 
intended  leaving  on  the  next  day  when  the 
principal  came  to  her  room,  handing  her  a  letter, 
and  at  the  same  time  saying,  "Mr.  Hilton  is  in 
the  front  parlor,  waiting  to  see  you." 

It  is  not  necessary  to  put  in  print  every 
5 


106  HILTON   HALL. 

particular.  Helen  was  informed  by  her  letter 
from  home,  that  Mr.  Hilton  had  told  them  of  his 
marriage  and  hasty  summons  East,  how  good  she 
had  been  to  remain  at  school,  his  time  had  been 
occupied  building  them  a  palatial  residence  on 
the  Hudson  River,  but  they  would  spend  a  year 
in  travel  ere  they  visited  it.  The  superb  surprise 
he  had  for  her,  he  would  reveal.  But  they  could 
not  help  saying  it  was  most  splendid.  Hilton 
told  Helen  to  leave  the  school  at  once,  as  they 
would  sail  for  France,  ere  the  New  Year.  Going 
to  the  teachers  to  say  goodbye,  one  said,  "Helen, 
I  saw  that  man  who  came  for  you.  He  is  a 
wicked,  wicked  man.  What  would  you  say, 
should  I  tell  you  he  made  love  to  a  beautiful 
woman,  ran  off  with  her,  and  that  from  that  day 
to  this,  she  has  never  been  seen  by  her  frends, 
nor  do  they  know  what  became  of  her." 

"Say!  I  say,  why  if  I  knew  such  an  event  had 
occurred,  I  would  no  more  look  at  or  speak  to 
him  than  I  would  to  the  Arch  fiend  himself. 
Never  heard  of  anything  so  horrible  in  my  life. 
But  we  have  known  him  for  years,  and  this  is  the 
first  time  we  ever  heard  he  was  not  the  soul  of 
honor.  You  must  give  me  proof  of  what  you 
say." 

"How  can  I?" 

"By  facing  him.  Come  into  the  parlor  and 
say  in  my  presence,  'Mr.  Hilton,  I  recognize 
you,'  and  then  I  will  believe  you." 


HILTON   HALL.  107 

"No,  no,  Helen!     I  cannot!     I  cannot!" 

Leaving  word  for  the  expressman,  to  take  her 
trunks,  they  entered  the  carriage.  Hilton  saying, 
"As  you  were  disappointed  when  we  were 
married,  we  will  now  make  a  tour  of  Europe, 
and  see  many  distant  places  and  interesting 
objects,  and  have  a  delightful  year  together, 
before  we  settle  down  to  hum  drum  life."  As  they 
drove  down  the  long,  long  lane  he  said,  "You 
were  long  coming  to  me  my  precious  wife,"  and 
turned  to  clasp  her  in  an  embrace. 

"Not  now,"  she  replied  "not  until  I  know  all. 
You  said  when  we  were  married,  there  was  a 
story  in  your  life  which  I  might  have  to  know 
sometime.  Tell  it  to  me  now,  perhaps  it  may 
explain  some  strange  rumors."  Then  she  told 
him  what,  she  had  heard,  and  that  until  he  proved 
it  absolutely  false,  she  would  have  nothing  to  say 
to  him.  He  turned  ashen,  his  hands  trembled, 
but  he  turned  to  her  a  sincere  earnest  face,  saying, 
"My  God,  Helen,  can  you  believe  that,  my  wife, 
believe  such  a  heinous  report?  Go  back  with 
me  at  once,  she  shall  eat  her  words." 

"Not  now,  we  do  not  wish  a  scene.  But  you 
must  clear  yourself." 

Before  three  days  he  gave  Helen  what  she 
thought  incontestable  proof  that  he  was  not  the 
person  who  wrecked  that  beautiful  girl's  life. 

Going  to  the  hotel,  they  went  at  once  to 
dinner,  as  it  was  now  eight  o'clock.  He  said, 


108  HILTON   HALL. 

"  You  wrote  me  you  had  no  money,  but  I  looked 
in  your  purse  and  found  a  five  dollar  gold  piece. " 

"Yes,"  replied  she,  "that  is  the  last  I  have  of 
my  money.  You  know  all  my  life  I  have  wished 
to  gather  some  shells,  but  have  never  been  to  the 
sea  shore.  Now  I  have  been  reckoning  up  the 
days  until  we  reach  Panama,  where  I  shall  at 
least  possess  five  dollars'  worth." 

"Are  you  sure  of  it,  dear?1  he  said,  with  a 
gleam  in  his  eye,  new  to  Helen  but  a  very 
pleasant  smile  which  deceived  her. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


VOYAGLV-  1567- 


The  Golden  fabt  was  about  to  sail  from  San 
Francisco  harbor.  On  its  deck,  looking  earnestly 
towards  the  land,  was  H^len,  resting  mournful 
.eyes  on  the  fast-receding  shores  of  beautiful  Oak- 
land. The  fellow-passengers  seemed  interested 
in  knowing  who  this  one  might  be,  and  whither 
that  one  could  be  going,  and  if  there  were  ac- 
quaintances aboard.  Several  came  to  Helen,  ask- 
ing if  they  were  to  be  companions  to  New  York, 
as  many  would  leave  at  Panama. 

There  was  much  to  interest  one  watching  the 
busy  seamen  —  some  were  reefing  the  top  sails; 
some  setting  storm  stay  sails,  while  others  every 


HILTON   HALL.  109 

day  lowered  the  life  boats,  then  securing  them  to 
the  ship  again,  while  the  steamer  would  creak 
and  groan  and  roll,  and  they  would  hasten  to 
close  the  port-holes.  Then  there  would  be  days 
with  the  softest  skies  and  the  sun  shone  down 
upon  an  ocean  so  calm,  it  was  in  places  glassy, 
it  was  a  relief  to  look  at  the  distant  land  some- 
times distinctly  to  be  seen.  She  would  watch  the 
sun  set,  and  the  bright  rays  fade  from  the  west 
ern  horizon,  then  the  moon  and  stars  illumine 
the  skies,  while  in  the  wake  of  the  steamer, 
where  the  water  boiled  up  into  white  foam,  the 
ocean  gleamed  in  phosphoric  light.  She  de- 
lighted to  sit  there  and  watch  the  waves,  but  at 
eight  o'clock  Donnallen  compelled  her  to  go  down 
into  her  state-room,  where  she  could  only  listen 
to  the  sigh  of  the  sea,  while  from  the  port-holes 
would  now  and  then  have  a  view  of  the  water, 
white  beneath  the  moonlight  from  the  cloud- 
less sky. 

Passengers  came  aboard  at  Manzanillo,  princi- 
pal port  of  the  State  of  Colima,  Mexico,  on  a  bay 
of  the  Pacific  Ocean.  The  bay  was  crescent- 
shaped,  the  water  as  blue  as  the  sky,  but  just  full 
of  sharks.  Donnallen  said,  "Formerly  it  used  to  be 
dreadful  there,  the  natives  shouting,  'Dive  for  a 
dime!  Dive  for  a  dime !'  and  I  have  tossed  money 
into  the  water  to  see  them  dive  and  come  to  the 
surface,  with  the  loss  of  an  arm  or  limb,  and  per- 
haps never  come  at  all." 


110  HILTON   HALL. 

The  weather  was  perfect.  An  officer  stood 
upon  the  deck  giving  orders  to  the  sailors,  who 
were  letting  down  a  ladder  from  the  deck  of  the 
ship.  Then  the  sailors  turned  the  steamer  around 
(for  it  is  a  little  port),  and  gave  them  time  to 
view  the  strange  scenes  and  tropical  fruits  and 
flowers.  As  they  left  could  hear  the  natives 
swearing  in  Spanish  with  great  vim  and  zest. 

At  Acapulco,  one  of  the  best  harbors  in  the 
world,  they  remained  several  hours,  and  were 
delighted  when  they  had  permission  to  go  ashore 
for  a  short  time.  Helen  ran  to  a  little  church 
and  peeped  in  through  the  window.  She  could 
see  pictures,  curiosities  and  queer  relics,  a  pulpit 
in  the  centre,  ascended  by  a  spiral  staircase,  and 
from  the  inside  you  could  see  the  bells — nine,— 
while  on  a  table  near  the  pulpit  was  a  beautiful 
cross  and  silver  cups  and  lamps. 

The  tropical  flowers  were  gorgeous.  Here, 
for  the  first  time,  she  saw  the  "M|n'osa  pudica," 
sensitive  plant  of  tropical  America.  She  wished 
for  one  to  press,  but  the  leaves  would  shrink  and 
fold  up  when  touched  or  jarred,  so  she  could  only 
admire  at  a  respectful  distance.  There  were  the 
most  beautiful  plumea  numming  birdy,  song  birds 

_j^L 

and  parrots  of  every  description. 

The  ladies,  with  their  olive  complexion  and 
beautiful  eyes,  were  dressed  in  pretty  lawns, 
reclining  gracefully  in  hammocks.  A  little  child 
came  near  them.  Helen  said  to  Donnallen,  "Esta 


HILTON   HALL.  Ill 

nina  tiene  una  boquita  muy  bonita?"  She  heard 
and  laughed,  showing  her  pretty  teeth.  "What 
is  your  name?" 

"Juanita,  senora."  "A  doude  va,  senora?" 
"Voy  a  casa. " 

"All  hands  aboard!"  came  the  call. 

"Adios,  senora,"  said  the  sweetest  little  voice. 
"Adios,  Cara  Juanita." 

They  were  loth  to  leave  the  land,  but  amused 
themselves  watching  the  people  and  the  sailors. 
The  steamer  was  like  a  small  town.  The  people 
forming  in  cliques,  there  was  much  gossip  and 
fun-making,  while  every  mistake  was  turned  into 
ridicule.  There  was  a  library  and  fine  piano. 
The  better  class  sang,  read,  chatted,  walked  the 
deck,  did  fancy  work,  ate,  slept,  and  somehow  the 
time  passed  rapidly.  As  they  neared  the  southern 
hemisphere,  they  sailed  under  the  lustrous  stars  of 
the  southern  cross.  As  they  approached  Panama 
City,  at  the  head  of  the  Bay  of  Panama,  terminus 
of  the  Panama  railroad,  which  connects  it  with 
Aspinwall,  Donnallen  came  to  the  stateroom,  say- 
ing, "My  dear,  there  is  no  harbor  for  large  ves- 
sels, so  small  steamers  and  lighters  transfer  the 
passengers  and  freight  to  the  landing.  I  have 
arranged  to  go  ashore  in  a  row-boat,  so  put  on 
your  wrap;  you  need  not  trouble  about  your 
traps,  but  take  your  umbrella,  you  will  need  that. 
Oh!  Hand  me  your  purse,  dear;  the  natives  are 
expert  pickpockets." 


112  HILTON   HALL. 

She,  never  doubting,  handed  it  to  him.  Go- 
ing into  the  boat,  the  sailors  soon  landed  them. 
The  first  person  she  met  was  a  Spaniard,  with 
the  most  beautiful  shells.  She  selected  a  pair  of 
"strombus  gigas,"  just  perfect.  Asking  the 
price,  said,  "I  will  take  them."  Turning  to 
Donnallen,  "My  purse,  please."  With  an  inso- 
lent leer  he  passed  on,  not  deigning  to  reply. 
Taking  from  her  finger  her  engagement  ring,  she 
said,  "Mrs.  Weston,  1  will  give  you  this  for  the 
price  of  the  shells.  It  is  worth  at  least  twenty 
dollars." 

"  My  dear,  I  am  sorry  for  you.  Were  I  rich, 
would  buy  them  for  you  but  have  at  home  a  large 
family,  and  cannot.  If  I  took  the  ring,  your  hus- 
band would  take  it  from  me." 

Helen  knew  he  would  take  it  from  the 
Spaniard,  so  said  no  more.  Lady  Don  then 
purchased  those,  with  all  the  choice  ones  he 
had.  So  Helen  passed  on,  feeling  the  keenest 
disappointment. 

Among  the  interesting  old  buildings  are  the 
cathedral,  convents,  and  the  Palace  of  the  Au- 
diencia.  The  ancient  walls  and  fortifications 
which  were  of  great  strength;  some  of  the  places 
they  could  only  view  from  the  outside. 

Near  one  old  church  were  some  native  women 
selling  tiny  shell  baskets.  They  were  very,  very 
pretty,  and  cost  seventy-five  cents.  Helen,  quite 
pleadingly,  asked  Donnallen  for  the  money  to 


HILTON   HALL.  113 

buy  one.  This  was  refused.  She  heard  a  young 
man  remark:  "I  would  buy  one  and  present  to 
her,  but  the  old  brute  would  take  it  from  her." 
They  now  went  aboard  the  cars,  the  railway  by 
the  valley  of  the  River  Chagres,  across  the 
isthmus,  is  by  a  pass  only  263  feet  above  tide- 
water. February  was  a  dry  month,  and  the 
weather  fair  but  exceedingly  warm.  A  most  in- 
teresting journey.  As  they  left  the  cars  Donnallen 
said  imperatively,  "Go  to  the  hotel  and  remain 
until  we  go  aboard  the  Henry  Chauncy  and 
Mr.  Weston  respectfully  requested  his  wife  to  re- 
main with  her.  Mrs.  Weston  had  crossed  the 
isthmus  several  times  when  the  journey  was 
difficult  and  dangerous,  all  the  way  upon  mule 
back.  She  said,  "As  we  are  to  remain  here  until 
our  husbands  permit  us  to  leave,  I  will  tell  you 
of  some  of  the  journeys."  She  was  a  Bostonian, 
who  married  Captain  Weston  of  the  army,  just 
after  graduating,  they  made  the  tour  of  Europe, 
then  came  to  the  gold  fields  of  California.  Her 
life  read  like  a  romance.  They  passed  the  time 
pleasantly,  until  the  husbands  came,  took  them 
into  the  dining-room  for  a  dish  of  tea,  ere  they 
went  aboard  the  steamer. 

Upon  reaching  her  state-room,  which  was  small, 
the  steamers  on  this  side  not  being  nearly  as  large 
as  on  the  Pacific,  Donnallen  handed  her  the  purse, 
with  the  command  "To  give  the  five  dollars  to  the 
stewardess, it  would  be  very  rough  sailing  and  she 


114  HILTON   HALL. 

would  possibly  spend  the  ten  days  in  her  room." 
Upon  her  bed  was  a  large  bunch  of  bananas,  he 
said  he  had  the  boy  examine  it  carefully  lest  a 
poisonous  insect  or  scorpion  should  be  upon  it. 

She  replied,  she  had  been  in  such  an  atmos- 
phere of  venom,  she  was  impervious  to  the  scor- 
pion's sting. 

It  was  rough  indeed  and  intensely  cold.  She 
suffered  so  it  was  wearing  upon  her,  and  Donnal- 
len  bitterly  (so  he  said)  regretted  his  not  giving 
her  a  warm  wrap.  But  he  was  from  custom  so 
used  to  driving  a  bargain.  All  he  thought  was 
how  much  could  be  saved  by  waiting  until  the 
spring  sale  in  New  York  City. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


THE  SURPRISE. 

"Ask  me  no  questions,  and  I'll  tell  you  no  fibs." 

Goldsmith. 

They  arrived  at  the  Fifth  Avenue  Hotel.  But 
Helen  was  too  ill  to  sit  up.  However,  Mr.  Hil- 
ton compelled  her  to  visit  the  dressmaker,  say- 
ing, after  giving  orders,  the  dresses  could  be 
tried  on  at  the  rooms.  They  stopped  at  Stewarts, 
where  he  purchased  two  silk  dresses.  Then  he 
took  her  to  her  room,  a  small  one  on  the  top 
floor.  He  left,  telling  her  he  was  going  to  see 


HILTON    HALL.  115 

the  boys,  but  would  send  a  doctor  to  her,  an  old 
friend  of  his. 

Dr.  Ward  called,  saying  he  thought  she  had  a 
chill,  which  was  evident,  as  she  could  not  speak 
for  shaking.  She  had  better  retire,  drink  a  little 
whiskey;  she  would  get  warm,  and  be  all  right. 
She  remained  in  such  suffering  she  prayed  to  die. 

After  ten  days  Hilton  returned;  said  they 
would  go  to  the  Everett  House,  where  she  could 
have  an  inside  room  on  the  second  floor,  which 
would  be  warmer.  He  then  called  an  eminent 
physician,  whose  office  was  in  the  Fifth  Avenue 
Hotel,  who  said  her  system  had  sustained  such 
a  shock  from  the  cold  that  she  would  have  a 
long  and  painful  illness.  Had  she  been  a  man, 
full  of  life  and  vigor,  he  would  have  warranted 
death  inside  of  three  days;  but  a  woman,  and  a 
baby  would  endure  everything.  He  was  a  very 
old  man,  and  most  kind  to  Helen. 

The  summer  came  ere  she  could  walk,  and  then 
only  a  short  distance.  She  could  not  help  ask- 
ing Hilton  how  much  he  had  saved,  as  the  doc- 
tor's fees  would  have  provided  her  with  every 
luxury.  He  called  once  in  a  while  to  bring  her 
letters,  saying  he  looked  upon  those  visits  as 
melancholy  occasions.  He  could  not  remain  in 
such  close  quarters  without  endangering  his 
health;  but  so  soon  as  she  was  well  he  would  be 
pleased  to  give  her  every  attention. 

One  summer   evening   he    came  saying  if  she 


116  HILTON   HALL. 

could  sit  up  for  dinner,  he  would  take  her  to  se 
the  Western  Sisters  in    "East    Lynne, "  and    the 
next  day  they  would  take    a  little  jaunt    into  the 
country  to  see  some  old  friends  of  his,  who  would 
be  delighted  to  make  her  acquaintance. 

Next  morning  they  took  the  early  train  for 
Niagara  Falls.  Helen  was  very  weary,  but,  in 
spite  of  her  illness,  could  not  help  feeling  cheer- 
ful. The  day  was  bright  and  sunny.  It  was  a 
blessed  relief  to  leave  the  dark,  ill-smelling  bed- 
room, for  it  was  poorly  ventilated,  and,  but  for 
the  kindness  of  the  chambermaid,  she,  no  doubt, 
would  never  have  left  it  alive. 

As     Helen    viewed    the    varying     scenes,    her 

exclamations  of  delight  were  so  frequent  that  Mr. 

Hilton  requested  her  to    enjoy    them    in    silence, 

est  people  imagine  she  never  saw  anything  before. 

Arriving  at  the  Falls,  they  went  to  the  Cata- 
ract Hotel. 

Every  American  is  familiar  with  the  Falls,  so 
remarkable  for  volume,  grandeur  and  beauty. 
This  year  the  favorite  summer  resort  of  the  aris- 
tocracy, or  rather  of  polite  American  society- 
Long  Branch — had  been  given  up  to  a  class 
more  remarkable  for  vast  wealth  than  for  ele- 
gance and  refinement.  The  hotel  was  fine.  The 
time  passed  delightfully,  and  the  constant  roar  of 
the  water  was  restful  to  Helen. 

The  next  day  they  passed  at  Buffalo.  The 
following  they  continued  their  journey  to  a  town 


HTLTON  HALL.  117 

on  Lake  Erie.  It  was  a  perfect  evening;  there 
was  scarcely  a  ripple  upon  the  surface  of  the 
lake,  so  beautifully  blue.  The  air  was  sweet; 
the  green  lawns  extended  to  the  water's  edge;  the 
houses  were  very  pretty,  and  the  windows 
sparkled  from  the  reflection  of  the  setting  sun. 
All  these  things  appealed  strongly  to  her  imagi- 
nation. She  turned  to  Donnallen,  telling  him  to 
gaze  upon  the  delightful  scene,  when,  instead  of 
him,  there  stood  a  woman  at  her  side,  looking  at 
her  with  glittering  snake's  eyes. 

"Pardon  me,  madam,  I  thought  you  were  my 
husband,"  said  Helen. 

"Your  husband!  Don't  flatter  yourself;  he  is 
not  your  husband.  In  New  Hampshire,  near  the 
White  Mountains,  he  has  a  wife  and  lovely  chil- 
dren, and  they  live  in  great  splendor." 

Helen  was  dumbfounded.  Before  she  could 
speak,  Donnallen  called  her  to  a  carriage  and 
they  were  driven  rapidly  to  a  hotel.  Going  to 
their  room,  Helen  repeated  the  woman's  state- 
ment. He  turned  ashen  gray,  but  said,  "Do  not 
be  silly;  it  is  only  a  similarity  of  name." 

"If  it  is  true,"  said  Helen — and  you  know 
whether  it  is  true  or  not — if  it  is  true,  it  is  a 
dreadful  thing,  and  you  should  be  dropped  by 
honest  men." 

He  replied,  "As  1  hope  for  mercy,  it  is 
false.  I  have  no  wife  but  you,  Helen,  no  one  on 
earth  whom  I  ever  loved  but  you  and  my  mother." 


118  HILTON  HALL. 

He  sobbed,  then  after  a  few  moments  spoke: 
"I  ought  to  have  more  self-command;  I  am 
ashamed  of  my  weakness,  but  I  was  unnerved  by 
the  thought  that  my  wife  doubted  my  honor." 

The  next  day  Mrs.  Otis  called  upon  Helen, 
and  said,  "Forgive  me,  I  am  sorry  for  what  I 
said.  My  statement  was  not  all  true.  I  was 
jealous,  and  glad  when  I  looked  at  you  and  saw 
your  face  white  as  if  chiseled  in  marble.  There 
were  no  tears,  and  I  knew  the  blow  had  struck 
too  hard  to  be  eased  by  weeping.  But  when  I 
went  home,  and  at  bedtime  undressed  my  chil- 
dren, and  they  knelt  at  my  knees  to  say  their 
prayers,  I  could  not  see  them,  for  your  eyes  were 
looking  into  mine.  I  was  frightened  and  full  of 
remorse.  1  wished  to  come  to  you  and  make  it 
plain,  but  my  husband  will  not  permit  me  to 
explain,  and  I  am  afraid  to  disobey  him.  Don't 
think  of  it  again.  Where  are  you  from?  You 
must  have  had  a  varied  experience.  Did  you 
like  Utah?"  Then  she  said:  "I  am  acquainted 
with  suffering.  Come  with  me  to  the  cemetery, 
there  I  will  show  you  my  sorrow.  See  this 
diamond?" 

"Yes,"  said  Helen. 

"Well,  your  husband  gave  me  that.  Years 
ago,"  said  she,  "I  was  a  sewing  girl  and  resided 

in .  I  earned  a  good  living,  as  all  my  time 

was  occupied  at  the  richest  homes.  I  met  Mr. 
Otis.  He  courted  and  married  me.  As  we  left 


HILTON   HALL.  119 

the  altar  he  informed  me   he  would  leave  in  one 

hour  on  the    sailing    vessel ,    for    California; 

that  I  must  remain  working  at  my  trade  until  ! 
had  enough  money  to  join  him.  So  I  sewed  on 
for  one  year,  telling  no  one  how  grieved  I  felt, 
as,  had  I  dreamed  I  was  to  remain,  should  not 
have  married  him.  Well,  I  took  that  long 
voyage  alone,  and  after  we  sailed  through  the 
Golden  Gate,  as  the  steamer  neared  the  wharf,  I 
looked  in  vain  for  my  husband;  he  was  not  there. 
It  was  a  city  of  canvas,  and  while  I  pondered 
what  I  was  to  do,  feeling  lonely  and  home-sick, 
a  young  man,  handsome  as  wax,  approached  me. 
Calling  me  by  my  given  name,  handing  me  a  let- 
ter, with  the  information  my  husband  was  work- 
ing at  Sacramento,  and  would  not  come  for  me 
for  at  least  three  months,  I  was  to  remain  un- 
der his  care  until  then.  During  those  months 
Donnallen  Hilton  was  most  kind  to  me,  often 
spending  five  dollars  for  a  little  jar  of  jam, 
which  he  would  refuse  to  taste,  lest  I  should  not 
feel  satisfied.  When  this  little  girl  was  born  he 
named  her,  and  took  sole  charge  of  her  and  me. 
She  was  a  beauty,  and  bright,  and  he  worshiped 
her.  When  she  died  at  the  age  of  six  years  he 
came  here,  selected  the  pleasantest  and  sunniest 
spot  in  this  beautiful  cemetery,  and  placed  over 
her  grave  this  graceful  marble  urn.  Here  is  the 
letter  his  brother  Edward  wrote  me  after  we  laid 
her  to  rest.  It  is  all  about  angels  and  heaven. 


120  HILTON   HALL. 

Your  husband  has  never  refused  me  anything  in 
his  life,  and  my  husband  has  never  spoken  one 
pleasant  word,  or  spent  one  penny  on  my  ward- 
robe in  his  life.  He  married  me  that  I  might 
support  him,  and  he  has  looked  to  it  that  Mr. 
Hilton  has  kept  his  vow.  That  is  the  reason  I 
hated  you  and  determined  to  make  you  feel  sor- 
rowful. Now  I  am  sorry.  Forgive  me,  will  you? 
And  remember  whatever  I  did,  my  husband  com- 
pelled me  to  do." 

"From  my  heart  I  pity  you,"  said  Helen. 
"I  can  no  more  understand  such  things  than  I 
can  understand  a  person  guilty  of  such  excesses 
and  devoid  of  the  shame  to  hide  them." 

She  burst  into  tears  and  bade  her  remember 
those  blessed  words,  "  Neither  do  I  condemn  thee. " 

Helen  asked  her  what  she  knew  of  Mr.  Hil- 
ton's past. 

"I  know  only  the  bright  side,  yet  he  seems  to 
have  lived  two  lives,"  she  replied.  "I  dare  not 
tell  you.  He  is  now  rich  and  evidently  feared, 
while  not  even  the  most  inquisitive  presume  to 
question  him;  he  is  so  harsh  and  forbidding, 
with  his  iron-gray  hair,  and  the  deep  curves  and 
lines  that  age  and  remorse,  perhaps,  have  stamped 
upon  his  face.  But  his  past  is  wicked,  and  he 
has  broken  many  hearts.  There  was  Mrs.  Haven, 
a  beautiful  bride  of  a  young  lawyer  in  San 
Francisco.  He  persuaded  her  to  run  away  with 
him,  and  in  six  months  he  wearied  of  her.  She 


HILTON   HALL.  121 

died  in  his  arms  at  the  Astor  House,  New  York, 
imploring  him  to  repent  of  his  sins,  and  he 
promised.  He  buried  her  in  Greenwood  Ceme- 
tery, and  placed  a  beautiful  granite  slab  over  her 
grave,  where  long  since  she  has  been  forgotten. 
I  know  this  to  be  true,  for  in  that  room  was  a 
woman  who  folded  her  hands  and  closed  her  eyes 
after  Hilton  laid  her  head  down  upon  the  pil- 
low. No  one  knows  just  how  he  made  his  start 
in  life,  but  it  was  believed  he  got  in  with  pirates 
at  the  time  the  Carribbean  Sea  was  infested  with 
them.  He  made  his  money  all  in  a  minute;  then 
returned  from  the  West  Indies  laden  with  the 
fruit  of  the  looms,  his  pockets  full  of  diamonds; 
this  is  one  of  them.  He  gave  them  to  his  friends 
like  they  were  pebbles;  but  for  all  that  no  club 
in  New  York  City  would  admit  him;  but  that  was 
best,  for  he  was  happiest  with  his  circle  of  boys. 
Well,  I  suppose  you  have  bushels  of  diamonds, 
have  you  not?" 

"No,"  replied  Helen,    "I  have  not  one." 


122  HILTON   HALL. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


NEW  YORK  CITY. 

Oh,  sweet  the  jasmine's  buds  of  snow, 
In  morning  soft  with  May; 
Oh,  silver-clear  the  waves  that  flow, 
Reflecting  heaven,  away! 

Bulwer  Lytton. 

They  now  returned  to  the  hotel,  Mrs.  Otis 
leaving  Helen  at  the  door.  Mr.  Hilton  was 
waiting  for  her,  saying  they  would  leave  on  the 
morrow;  business  called  him  to  Rome.  Then 
they  would  go  to  Saratoga  Springs,  and  spend  a 
few  days,  as  she  would  see  much  there  to  amuse 
and  interest  her. 

She,  upon  reflection,  decided  not  to  mention 
the  conversation  with  Mrs.  Otis  at  the  grave  in 
the  cemetery,  but  judged  it  best  to  allow  a  broad 
reservation  for  all  her  remarks,  as  she  had  ac- 
knowledged misrepresenting,  and  if  in  the  past  he 
had  been  such  an  unprincipled  rogue, that  no  doubt, 
accounted  for  the  rumor  of  his  wives.  She  was 
full  of  trouble  and  perplexity.  Mr.  Hilton  soon 
settled  this.  Upon  reaching  Rome,  he  introduced 
her  to  his  solicitor,  who  was  a  very  genial,  suave 
gentleman,  short  and  rotund,  light  complexioned. 


HILTON   HALL.  123 

He  looked  up  at  you  sideways,  like  a  little  can- 
ary bird.  He  was  sharp,  too.  He  said,  "Madam 
Hilton,  your  duty  to  your  husband  must  come 
first,  and  a  woman  who  will  listen  to  aught  against 
him  is  not  a  good  woman." 

Those  people  she  had  encountered  were,  as 
Lord  Chesterfield  said,  "After  their  friendship, 
there  is  nothing  so  dangerous  as  to  have  them 
for  enemies."  They  hated  an  honest  woman  with 
the  deadliest  hatred;  their  life  and  actions  were 
ignoble,  and  love,  which  the  inspired  poets  of 
all  ages  have  celebrated  as  the  sweetest  and 
noblest  passion  on  earth,  they  could  not  under- 
stand. 

After  chatting  upon  the  topics  of  the  day 
with  Donnallen,  this  gracious  gentleman  left  for 
New  York  City.  The  next  morning  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Hilton  left  for  Saratoga.  The  hotel  was 
crowded  with  well-dressed  people.  Each  indivi- 
dual seemed  anxious  to  excel  in  the  variety, 
costliness  and  beauty  of  her  gowns  and  jewels. 
They  were  courteous  to  strangers,  and  seemed 
willing  to  associate  with  any  person  who  observed 
the  rules  of  polite  society.  There  were  elegant 
drives,  and  the  beauty  of  the  natural  landscape 
was  embellished  by  objects  of  ornament.  The  air 
was  fresh  and  fragrant  from  flowers.  Time 
passed  pleasantly,  and  Donnallen  looked  every- 
where until  he  found  where  he  could  buy  some 
jasmine,  telling  Helen  how  he  used  to  look 


124  HILTON   HALL. 

for  it  in  the  spring  to  surprise  his  dear  mother 
with  a  bouquet  of  the  beautiful  white  blossoms. 
From  here  they  spent  a  day  at  Albany,  then  back 
to  New  York  City.  Donnallen  was  all  devotion 
now,  and  just  lavished  everything  (excepting 
diamonds)  upon  Helen,  expressing  deep  contri- 
tion for  every  wound  he  had  given  her.  He 
said,  "In  fact,  I  think  I'm  clever  and  have  made 
up  handsomely  all  around.  I  never  valued  any- 
thing on  earth  after  I  possessed  it,  but  you  have 
taught  me  to  value  you." 

During  the  fall  they  traveled  much.  Wher- 
ever business  called  him  he  took  her  with  him. 
During  leisure  time  he  planned  little  tours  to 
places  of  interest,  and  to  large  cities,  carefully 
explaining  the  architecture,  works  of  art,  and 
historical  associations. 

They  went  often  to  Washington,  D.  C.,  and 
once  in  six  weeks,  without  variation,  to  Boston, 
Mass.,  where  he  had  stores  and  much  money  lent, 
they  always  stopped  at  the  Revier  House, 
where  the  second  day  he  would  leave  her,  going, 
he  said,  to  his  marble  quarries  in  Vermont,  to 
pay  off  his  men  and  arrange  for  shipping,  being 
absent  just  four  days. 

He  was  always  sad  upon  his  return,  saying, 
"I  am  so  tired,  dear,  so  tired!" 

"Why  do  you  come  here  first  and  do  all  the 
hard  work  in  one  trip?  and  why  not  allow  me  to 
go  with  you?" 


HILTON   HALL.  125 

"It  is  up  in  the  hills,  dear,  and  you  would 
not  care  to  go." 

They  always  returned  to  New  York  City  at 
night.  But  going  to  boston  was  pleasant;  most 
of  the  journey  was  by  daylight,  and  she  could 
view  the  beautiful,  shifting  scenery,  which 
seemed  ever  new.  Hilton  listened  with  wrapt 
attention  to  every  word  she  said.  He,  too,  loved 
that  journey,  although  when  he  traveled  alone  he 
usually  slept.  He  told  her  when  the  warm  weather 
came  he  should  bring  her  by  the  boat,  stopping 
at  Newport.  He  was  also  most  kind  to  bring  her 
bouquets  of  wild  flowers  from  Vermont,  saying, 
"I  never  see  them  but  I  think  of  you,  in  your 
Western  home,  my  sweet  wild  rose." 

One  day  as  they  stood  at  the  window  viewing 
the  moving  panorama  on  Broadway,  seeing  a 
squad  of  police  passing  by,  she  said,  "Do  you 
see  that  tall  one?  Well,  when  I  was  so  ill  and 
so  much  alone,  I  remembered  that  man,  and  de- 
cided if  ever  I  needed  a  friend,  to  make  that 
policeman  my  confidant,  a  resolve  I  came  near 
carrying  out  one  day,  believing  there  was  no  bet- 
ter choice. " 

"My  God!"  exclaimed  Donnallen,  "if  you 
had!  Do  you  know  who  he  is?  He  is  the 
chief  of  police.  I'll  tell  you  why  you  thought 
you'd  trust  him:  in  that  tall,  peifect  figure,  in 
those  exquisite  curves  of  his  back,  in  that  long 
beard  and  those  piercing  eyes,  you  saw  a  strong 


126  HILTON   HALL. 

resemblance  to  your  father.  I  have  noticed  it. 
But  you  will  never  go  to  him,  darling!  Remem- 
ber in  every  circumstance  in  life  your  husband  is 
your  truest  friend,  and  he  is  perfectly  capable  of 
advising  you.  Remember  your  vow — 'love, 
honor,  and  obey.'" 

His  face  had  grown  white,  and  he  sat  down 
resting  his  head  on  his  hand,  was  silent  until 
she  said  "Donnallen,  the"  sun  shines  warm  and 
bright.  Come,  we  will  walk,  and  slowly,  too, 
that  I  may  look  at  the  attractive  windows  and  see 
what  is  new  and  pretty." 

"Yes,  put  on  your  hat.  We  will  dine  at  Del- 
monico's;  then  go  to  see  Owen  in  <Solen  Shingle.' 
I  love  the  play.  Do  you  know,  once  I  had  an 
old  friend  who  acted  and  talked  and  looked  as 
Owen  does  in  that  play.  It  brings  it  all  back 
again." 

"Well,  is  my  hat  on  straight?  See,  the 
gloves  you  bought  me  are  a  size  toe  small  and 
very  tight.  Is  the  play  a  sad  one?" 

"No." 

"Then  why  do  you  look  so  mournful?" 

They  went  to  Baltimore  for  a  week.  Helen 
had  friends  there.  One  day  when  she  was  call- 
ing on  one  of  them,  she  met  a  charming  lady,  a 
member  of  the  best  society,  whose  daughter  was 
a  belle.  During  the  conversation  she  said,  "Mrs. 
Hilton,  I  saw  you  yesterday  with  James  Donn- 
allen, a  liquor  prince  of  New  Orleans.  Do  you 


HILTON   HALL.  127 

know  he  is  a  married  man?  He  has  a  wife  and 
three  children." 

"What,  again!  Surely  it  must  be  a  mistaken 
identity.  That  man  is  my  husband,  and  his 
name  is  Donnallen  Hilton.  He  is  a  banker  in 
New  York  City.  If  he  was  ever  engaged  in  the 
liquor  traffic  I  am  not  aware  of  it.  There  is  a 
liquor  store  under  his  bank,  but  he  told  me  with 
perfect  frankness  it  was  not  his." 

No  more  was  said  upon  the  subject. 

When  Helen  arose  to  leave,  the  lady  came  to 
her,  and  kissing  her  upon  the  cheek,  said,  "God 
keep  you,  my  child,  in  all  your  ways." 

Upon  reaching  her  hotel,  she  told  Mr.  Hilton 
of  the  liquor  prince  of  New  Orleans.  He  said, 
"Is  it  possible?  Extraordinary!  I  must  bear  a 
strong  resemblance  to  the  man." 

The  round  of  pleasure  and  amusement  lasted 
until  near  the  holidays,  when  Mr.  Hilton  began 
to  spend  his  leasure  hours  with  the  boys,  as  he  said. 
He  would  be  absent  days  at  a  time,  often  saying,  "  I 
will  be  home  for  dinner,"  be  absent  a  week,  and 
she  with  only  some  small  change  in  her  pocket. 
She  used  to  go  hungry  and  suffer  with  cold. 
Christmas  and  New  Year  came  and  passed,  the 
dullest  she  had  seen  in  all  her  life.  She  was  not 
cheered  by  a  familiar  face,  nor  was  she  allowed 
five  cents  to  dispense  to  some  poor  people,  who 
had  always  looked  forward  to  aid  and  comfort 
from  her. 


128  HILTON   HALL. 

• 

His  neglect  increased,  and  sometimes  she  did 
not  see  him  only  when  the  time  came  for  the 
Boston  trip,  and  he  was  very  ill-tempered.  This 
state  of  affairs  continued  until  spring.  Helen's 
health  began  to  fail,  so  she  sought  a  boarding 
place  in  the  country.  She  had  been  careful  of 
her  health,  but  she  gained  no  strength  in  the 
city.  Mr.  Hilton  soon  compelled  her  to  return, 
saying  he  could  not  endure  life  without  her,  time 
was  so  heavy. 

Edward  said  she  must  return.  She  was  the 
only  restraint  upon  Donnallen's  excessive  mean- 
ness. He  said  to  Helen,  "He  is  not  meaner  to 
you  than  me,  and  he  is  a  hog.  I  have  such  vast 
wealth  that  I  must  employ  six  men  to  help  me 
manage  it,  and  he  will  quarrel  with  me  if  I  spend 
fifty  cents,  or  rest  from  the  business  one  half-day. 
But  don't  you  go  without  anything.  Come  to  me 
if  he  won't  let  you  have  what  you  want,  and  I 
will  give  you  the  money  if  he  is  too  stingy. 
Have  what  you  want  if  it  costs  thousands;  he  is 
able  and  so  am  I.  You  have  been  the  best  med- 
icine we  ever  had.  Now  don't  be  wear}'  in 
well-doing. " 

She  returned  to  find  a  large  room  at  the 
hotel,  cool  and  pleasant,  a  sofa,  and  upon  a 
small  table  some  books.  The  room  had  large, 
French  windows,  where  she  could  sit  and  look 
upon  crowded  Broadway,  and  the  shifting  throng 
that  passed  to  and  fro.  He  had  bought  three 


HILTON    HALL.  129 

new  dresses,  and  had  them  ready  to  finish  after 
once  trying  on,  a  new  trunk  to  put  them  in,  a 
handsome  lace  cape,  and  many  pretty  gloves  and 
handkerchiefs. 

With  protestations  of  future  devotion,  all  was 
again  serene. 

He  informed  her  a  friend  of  his  "up  country," 
Mr.  Bracket,  had  made  a  mint  of  money  and  was 
building  a  smashing  big  house;  had  written  for 
him  to  select  furniture,  paintings  and  everything. 
You  see  he  banks  with  us.  Now  I  have  no  time 
to  run  about.  So  you  must  do  that.  Each  day 
take  a  few  hours  and  look  in  Ball  and  Black's 
store.  Up  stairs  they  have  furniture,  paintings, 
works  of  art,  etc.  Select  what  you  think  pretty, 
no  matter  as  to  price.  Ask  for  a  refusal,  then 
I'll  go  with  you,  and  if  fine  enough  will  purchase. 
Be  sure  and  take  notes.  Today  we  will  go  to 
Ball  and  Black,  that  I  may  give  you  an  idea  of 
what  he  wishes.  He  is  fond  of  a  rose-hued  light, 
so  look  at  the  carpets  that  are  wreathed  with 
flowers  and  buds,  so  natural  that  a  fellow  will 
hesitate  to  advance  for  fear  of  crushing  them." 

"I  understand  he  wishes  rare  gems  of  art,  and  to 
spare  no  expense;  but  wishes  nothing  sombre." 

"That  is  just  it." 

The  first  thing  she  selected  was  a  magnificent 
set  of  ebony.  He  thought  it  was  in  awful  poor 
taste;  couldn't  see  what  made  it  cost  so  much. 


130  HILTON   HALL. 

"But,  Donnallen,  you  don't  want  everything 
gorgeous." 

She  saw  a  beautiful  cuckoo-clock,  which  he 
bought,  handing  the  man  a  card  with  orders  to 
pack  with  care  and  send  to  that  address.  Next 
he  bought  a  gem  of  Sir  Joshua  Re)'nolds,  that 
had  been  the  property  of  some  wealthy  person 
who  had  failed;  a  superb  statue  of  Zenobia, 
Queen  of  Palmyra,  in  chains  of  purest  Carrara 
marble;  then  an  elegant  bedroom  set,  costing 
eight  hundred  dollars. 

They  now  went  to  dinner  Donnallen's  face 
just  wreathed  in  smiles.  Helen  remarked  he 
could  not  feel  happier  had  those  costly  things 
been  for  himself. 

"Well,  dear,  I  am  so  pleased  with  5*ou,  you 
do  everything  so  gracefully.  I'm  sure  Bracket 
will  be  more  than  gratified,  and  it  is  our  busi- 
ness, love,  "to  please  our  customers." 

Very  soon  after  this  he  told  her  business 
called  him  away.  He  should  be  absent  six 
weeks.  She  sat  reading  a  day  or  so  after  he  left, 
when  the  door  suddenly  opened  and  he  entered 
the  room.  She  looked  up,  saying  quietly,  "You 
have  returned  sooner  than  you  expected?" 

"Yes,  I  found  it  necessary  to  return,  as  I 
have  attended  to  the  business.  Decided  to 
spend  the  night  at  home.  The  fact  is,  darling, 
I  am  in  great  trouble.  If  you  were  not  reticent, 
would  not  trust  you;  but  it  is  such  a  relief.  I 


HILTON    HALL.  131 

have  three  heavy  law-suits,  and  of  course  cannot 
tell  the  result.  But  I  pay  Edwards  ten  thousand 
a  year,  and  he  is  cheap  at  that.  Last  year  there 
were  no  suits,  but  this  time  just  one  will  cost 
$30,000.  Edward  must  take  two,  the  third, 
have  sent  for  Judge  Bridgewood.  He  is  sharp, 
and  can  trust  him  to  pull  through." 

"What  is  the  matter?  Ha\e  you  spent  Mr. 
Bracket's  money  too  freely?" 

"No,  no!  Nothing  to  do  with  that.  Nothing 
you  can  understand." 

"Then  why  speak  of  it?" 

"Oh,  a  man  in  business  is  always  in  trouble." 

Nevertheless,  he  would  come  in,  sit  down, 
and  forbid  Helen  to  speak;  rest  his  head  upon 
his  hand,  while  the  perspiration  would  run  off 
his  forehead;  and  if  a  knock  came  he  would 
jump  off  his  seat,  once  hiding  under  the  bed. 

She  said  to  him,  "You  are  certainly  bereft  of 
reason.  Do  you  imagine  if  any  one  wished  to 
find  you,  they  would  fail,  when  you  are  at  your 
bank  every  day?" 

"Don't,  don't  speak  of  it." 

Months  passed.  She  was  virtually  a  prisoner, 
fearing  to  leave  the  house  lest  he  should  come 
home  and  be  annoyed.  She  never  knew — at 
least  not  then — what  the  trouble  was  all  about; 
but  knew  it  was  grave;  for  he  was  blessed  with  an 
excellent  appetite,  and  when  it  was  moderate  she 


132  HILTON   HALL. 

knew  he  was  downcast.  One  day  he  came  in, 
saying,  "It  is  all  settled,  and  in  my  favor;  but 
never  speak  of  it;  let  me  forget  it  all." 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


JERSEY. 

After  all  those  misunderstandings  and  trials, 
he  now  decided  upon  a  retreat  in  the  country,  to 
take  himself  from  temptation.  He,  therefore, 
attended  to  everything  himself,  looking  for  weeks, 
then  purchased  an  unpretentious  house  in  Eliza- 
beth, New  Jersey.  No.  22  was  furnished  neatly 
and  prettily,  but.  inexpensively.  He  did  not 
select  anything  fine,  but  took  great  pride  in  some 
things  that  had  been  his  mother's,  which  he 
would  rather  see  there  than  the  most  luxurious 
things.  He  liked  a  modest  apartment,  with  the 
furniture  old-fashioned.  The  rooms  were  all 
carpeted  with  a  dark-green  Brussels,  with  deep 
red  roses,  like  the  one  in  the  hotel  at  San  Jose. 
The  front  room  was  decorated  with  photographs 
in  narrow  black  and  gilt  mouldings.  On  the 
mantle  was  a  large  brass  clock,  such  as  was  in 
vogue  in  France  so  long  ago.  When  Helen 
would  lift  the  glass  to  wind  it  he  would  tremble 


HILTON   HALL.  133 

with  anxiety  lest  she  should  break  the  glass  or 
scratch  or  mar  the  clock. 

One  day  when  talking  of  his  home,  he  said, 
"I  had  an  ambitious  idea  early  in  life.  It  was 
to  join  General  Winfield  Scott,  whose  acquaint- 
ance I  made  in  1840-41,  when  he  was  engaged  in 
Maine  during  the  disputed  territory  controversy. 
When  in  1846  he  was  ordered  to  Mexico  I  was 
wild  to  go;  but  father  would  not  let  me,  and  I 
was  not  quite  twenty-one.  To  this  day  I  hold  it 
against  him.  I  believe  I  could  have  distinguished 
myself,  but  father  was  determined  I  should  be 
rich.  When  I  look  at  that  clock  those  old  dreams 
return  to  me.  It  is  one  I  purchased  for  mother 
when  fortune  first  smiled  upon  me,  and  when  you 
handle  it  so  carelessly  it  hurts  me,  as  if  it  were 
a  living  thing." 

Helen  replied  she  would  dust  it  with  extreme 
care,  and  he  could  wind  it  in  the  future.  When 
absent,  it  should  remain  silent.  She  could  do 
very  well  with  her  watch. 

He  smilingly  thanked  her,  saying  again  it  made 
him  sorrowful  that  his  mother  could  not  know  and 
love  her.  Then  he  would  tell  what  an  accomplished 
housewife  she  was.  Every  loaf  of  bread  had  to  be 
accounted  for;  there  was  no  waste.  Upon  a  small 
income  they  lived  and  saved  a  handsome  compet- 
ence. She  could  make  an  excellent  dinner  upon  just 
such  things  as  she  had  in  the  house.  Her  aim 
and  ambition  was  to  save.  Helen  must  learn  to 


134  HILTON   HALL. 

be  like  her.  She  could  have  eight  dollars  a 
month  for  a  scullery  maid,  and  do  the  rest  her- 
self. When  he  was  absent,  her  expenses  would 
be  light.  There  was  nothing  like  a  simple  diet 
for  good  health.  In  the  larder  was  bacon, 
mackerel  and  beans.  She  would  require  little 
else.  And  looking  into  the  girl's  eyes,  with  a 
smile  half-fond,  half-quizzical,  "As  you  were 
wretched  in  large  hotels,  you  may  now  be  quite 
independent  and  happy." 

A  look  defiant  and  contemptuous  came  into 
her  dark-blue  eyes;  but  the  conversation  was 
now  interrupted  by  callers,  who  came  to  make 
their  acquaintance.  Donnallen  introduced  him- 
self under  a  false  name.  He  was  sweet  and 
gracious  to  them,  bidding  them  come  as  often 
as  they  liked,  while  Helen  was  silent  with 
indignation. 

Soon  they  left.  As  the  door  closed  upon 
them  Helen,  whose  voice  is  exceedingly  winning, 
now  became  sharp  and  imperious  in  reproof,  and 
with  a  dangerous  gleam  in  her  eyes  she  ex- 
claimed, "Donnallen,  will  there  ever  come  a  time 
when  we  shall  live  without  playing  a  part?  You 
are  always  pretending.  Why  can  you  not  be 
natural  as  other  people  are?" 

He  was  furious,  but  kept  his  temper,  replying, 
"I  have  no  leisure  for  argument  now.  I  am 
going  to  Washington,  D.  C.  If  anything  should 


HILTON   HALL.  135 

happen  while  I  am   away,  wire    me    at    Willards. 
Farewell." 

She  was  obliged  to  obey  his  commands,  for 
which  she  felt  the  greatest  contempt;  but  she 
looked  forward  to  days  of  less  monotony. 

When  Donnallen  returned  he  repented  of  his 
falseness,  and  explained  his  reason  for  an 
assumed  name  that  he  often  registered  so,  owing 
to  the  fact  that  he  carried  so  much  money  if 
people  knew  him  they  might  rob  him." 

She  replied  she  had  no  way  of  hearing  the 
other  side  of  the  matter;  her  knowledge  of  him 
was  always  one-sided  and  rough. 

He  laughed  immoderately  at  this,  saying  after 
banking  hours  it  happened  that  men  would  leave 
with  him  large  sums  for  deposit.  Should  any- 
thing happen  to  it,  they  would  accuse  him  of 
dishonor.  All  of  which  she  knew  to  be  true,  hav- 
ing several  times  witnessed  such  transactions. 
Still  the  impressions  his  conduct  made  upon  her 
were  not  pleasant.  But  she  had  known  other 
very  honorable  men  travel  incognito,  when 
obliged  to  carry  large  sums  of  money. 

Hilton  now  determined  to  live  a  peaceful, 
honorable  life,  saying  a  life  such  as  his  past  was 
full  of  regret  and  emptiness.  When  he  looked 
back  upon  it  he  felt  as  he  did  when  a  boy  upon 
passing  an  empty  house — scared  as  if  something 
was  after  him.  He  would  think  the  old  place 
haunted,  and  run.  He  now  intended  giving  his 


136  HILTON   HALL. 

evil  associates  a  wide  berth.  Some  of  them  were 
so  wicked  it  would  make  her  hair  stand  on  end, 
should  he  tell  her  things  he  had  seen  them  do. 
She  need  never  ask  him  of  his  friends,  for,  save 
his  brother,  sister,  and  Bill,  he  should  renounce 
them  all.  She  was  not  desirous  ot  knowing  them, 
and  very  glad  to  be  well  rid  of  them. 

One  day  Helen  complained  of  loneliness  at 
the  home,  so  Donallen  told  her  when  he  returned 
from  his  office  he  would  bring  her  a  companion 
or  two.  Next  evening  he  returned  with  a  large 
bandbox,  which  contained  a  kitten,  and  on  the 
following  evening  with  a  cute  little  Newfound- 
land puppy.  Both  were  interesting,  just  large 
enough  to  scamper  all  over  the  house  and  get 
into  all  kinds  of  mischief.  The  dog  hated  Don- 
nallen  with  all  his  dog  nature. 

Donnallen  was  now  all  devotion,  and  the 
neighbors  said  they  knew  he  was  always  glad  to 
come  home,  his  eyes  sparkled  so,  and  he  walked 
so  rapidly  from  the  train,  while  his  face  just 
beamed  with  gladness  when  he  approached  the 
house.  Her  life  was  very  quiet  only  interrupted 
with  journeys  to  Wasington,  D.  C.,  and  the  one 
every  six  weeks  to  Boston. 

Upon  no  consideration  would  he  excuse  her 
from  that  trip.. 

Once  he  forgot  her,  and  she  was  left  without 
money.  She  wrote  him.  He  replied  "It  is  so 
terrible,  my  darling,  to  think  you  should  want 


HILTON   HALL.  137 

money  while  I  have  more  than  I  know  how  to 
spend.  You  must  not  deny  yourself  anything. 
Remember  all  that  is  mine  is  yours,  or  will  be 
at  my  death;"  but  the  check  was  omitted  and 
Helen  had  to  wire  for  money. 

One  evening,  at  the  cottage,  after  a  quiet 
tete-a-tete  dinner,  he  joined  her  on  the  terrace 
walk.  The  ruddy  harvest  moon  was  high  in 
heaven;  the  purple-grey  mists  of  an  early  autumn 
night  beginning  to  shroud  the  town.  The  air 
was  chilly;  the  stars  had  a  frosty  lustre  in  them. 

He  came  out  here  as  he  was  sure  of  quiet  and 
no  listener.  He  was  a  man  of  pronounced 
character,  but  not  well  educated,  so  among  cul- 
tured men  he  appeared  to  disadvantage.  He 
could  not  tell  all  he  knew;  but  he  was  a  good 
listener,  and  when  he  caught  an  idea  he  would 
say,  "Be  sure  you  are  right  and  go  ahead."  He 
told  Helen  that  Bill  and  some  other  friends 
were  telling  him  not  one  man  in  millions  had 
his  chance,  and  he  was  a  fool  to  let  it  slip. 
There  was  not  a  shadow  of  chance  for  detection. 
What  did  she  think  of  it? 

She  replied  it  was  infamous,  and  no  one  was 
his  friend  who  proposed  such  a  scheme.  They 
had  some  selfish  motive,  and  to  comply  with  it 
would  bring  him  to  sorrow  and  ruin.  He  would 
quickly  find  they  would  tell  on  him,  just  as 
soon  as  they  had  opportunity. 
6 


138  HILTON   HALL. 

"I  know,  my  darling,  the  odds  are  against 
me;  but  I'll  chance  it." 

"Better  not  for  your  own  peace  of  mind." 

"You  would  not  betray  me,  would  you,  dear? 
Surely  you  would  stand  by  me?" 

"I  should  not  betray  you,  but  would  never 
assist  you.  You  are  wrong  to  listen  to  such 
propositions.  Be  warned  in  time.  The  man 
you  say  will  see  you  through  if  influential,  is  a 
very  poor  man,  and  will  make  much  of  it. 
Remember  that,  Donnallen.  And  is  the  peace- 
ful beginning  of  our  home  so  soon  to  be  inter- 
rupted by  a  return  to  your  old  haunts  and  fa- 
vorite boys?" 

"No,  no,  Helen!  But  there  is  a  rebellion 
among  them.  They  insist  I  must  now  give  my- 
self up  to  pleasures  or  the  pink-skinned  girl  will 
soon  have  me  saying  my  prayers;  but  I  am  as 
firm  as  granite  in  my  resolve  never  to  return  to 
that  dissipated  life." 

"How  do  you  know  your  special  friends  are 
not  equally  treacherous,  and  by  listening  to  them 
you  may  be  shipwrecked?" 

"They  are  all  under  obligation  to  me,  and 
have  always  thought  so  much  of  me;  there  is  a 
golden  bond  of  friendship  between  us." 

"Don't  rely  too  much  upon  their  gratitude. 
I  believe  you  are  surrounded  by  danger." 

"Not    at  all,"     he    replied,     "and    as    we    arc 


HILTON   HALL.  139 

old,  we  will  just  settle  down  in  our  dear  little 
home  and  enjoy  life." 

Helen  replied  she  was  not  as  old  as  the  hills, 
being  in  reality  not  twenty-three  years,  and  she 
proposed  to  see  much  of  the  great  world  he  had 
been  so  anxious  she  should  see.  Callers  came 
and  cut  short  their  tete-a-tete. 

He  received  them  with  smiling  grace,  and 
was  very  popular,  for  he  could  change  his  views 
to  suit  the  many  conditions  in  which  he  was 
placed,  and  although  a  member  of  no  religion, 
he  was  Episcopal,  Baptist,  or  Lutheran,  if  his 
guests  were  of  that  persuasion. 

Helen  remonstrated  with  him,  saying,  "You 
should  not  tell  such  things;  you  will  feel  greatly 
mortified  when  you  are  exposed,  as  you  are  sure 
to  be." 

He  replied  he  would  chance  it.  He  had  no 
doubt  but  he  was  a  greater  favorite  than  she, 
who  despised  a  lie,  so  would  not  assume  a 
character..  She  must  know  people  only  joined  a 
church  for  popularity;  then  why  not  be  popular 
with  all  the  friends?  One  evening,  however, 
he  told  a  Methodist  lady  all  his  family  were 
Methodists,  when  a  Presbyterian  said,  "Why, 
Mr.  Hilton,  I  thought  you  were  all  Presbyter- 
ians." The  scamp,  smiling  sweetly,  said,  "No, 
I  never  said  it.  You  heard  wrong.  It  is  my 
wife's  family  that  are  all  blue  Presbyterians. 
They  all  live  out  here  in  Oakfield,  New  York." 


140  HILTON   HALL. 

fe 

He  did  not  hesitate  to  clear  himself  at  the 
expense  of  a  friend. 

When  they  left,  he  called  Helen  into  the 
dining-room  and  remarked,  "I  don't  like  neigh- 
bors, and  friends  make  trouble.  I  wish  they 
would  stay  away.  When  my  day's  work  is  done, 
it  is  a  joy  to  come  home,  and  I  want  you  all  to 
myself.  Perhaps  I  am  a  little  vain  in  thinking 
my  society  ample  recompense  for  your  friends, 
and,  dear,  you  have  been  accustomed  to  dancing; 
I  was  not  brought  up  to  it,  and  request  you 
never  again  to  join  in  the  dance."  Helen 
replied  she  would  make  no  such  promise;  but  her 
strength  was  not  sufficient  for  the  exercise,  so 
she  would  never  ask  him  to  take  her  to  a  ball. 

"I  know  you  will  keep  that  promise.  Now, 
you  must  make  me  another.  It  is  that  you 
never  touch  the  piano,  nor  sing,  only  at  my 
request." 

She  answered,  "You  have  asked  a  very  hard 
thing.  I  love  the  piano  as  if  it  were  a  living 
person.  Ever  since  a  small  child  I  have  had 
music,  and  in  sorrow  or  jo)'  the  instrument 
responded  to  my  touch.  You  have  taken  from 
me  everything  I  care  for.  You  refuse  to  attend 
the  opera,  as  you  prefer  to  hear  a  pig  squeal  to 
the  singing.  You  hate  a  tragedy,  as  you  wish 
after  business  hpurs  to  laugh.  You  dislike  a 
concert,  if  any  instrument  is  played  but  the 
banjo.  You  detest  driving,  and  need  the  exercise 


HILTON   HALL.  141 

of  a  brisk  walk.  You  force  me  to  eat  the  kind  of 
food  you  like,  it  being  too  much  trouble  and 
expense  to  order  such  a  variety.  You  deprive 
me  of  every  amusement,  under  some  pretence.  I 
think  my  feelings  should  be  considered  once  in  a 
while,  and  I  mean  they  shall  be,  or  we  will  part 
company.  I  will  return  to  my  father's  home. 
Since  you  are  absent  so  much,  I  shall  not  miss 
you  at  all." 

He  stopped  smiling,  and  said,  "No,  no.  You 
would  not  for  a  moment  think  of  leaving  your 
home  and  me.  1  should  indeed  miss  you  if  we 
were  separated  by  many  miles.  You  are  not 
very  flattering  to  me,  darling.  But  if  I  have 
been  selfish  will  be  so  no  more.  Will  not  allow 
you  to  remain  in  seclusion,  but  will  attend  such 
places  of  amusement  as  please  you." 

She  replied  if  the  plays  and  operas  were 
irksome  to  him,  she  would  attend  the  matinee, 
if  he  would  allow  her  the  money." 

"Oh,  no!  That  I  will  not  allow.  If  you 
attend  at  all,  it  will  be  in  company." 


142  HILTON   HALL. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


7TT  HOHL 

Before  the  early  rays  of  morn 
Dispel  the  gloom  and  bring  us  dawn, 
My  heart  ascends  to  Father's  throne, 
And  all  His  love  and  mercies  own. 
I  thank  Him  for  this  night  of  rest 
And  that  through  all  my  life  He's  blest 
And  watched  o'er  me,  with  tender  care, 
And  heeded  every  earnest  prayer. 

E.  R.  Shipp. 

A  few  days  after  the  conversation  recorded  in 
the  last  chapter,  Mr.  Hilton  informed  Helen 
business  in  California  would  require  his  atten- 
tion for  the  next  four  months.  Fearing  she 
would  feel  lonely,  he  had  written  her  sisters  and 
eldest  brother  to  come  and  spend  the  winter 
with  her.  They  replied  that  only  one  of  the 
girls  would  arrive,  as  her  mother  would  be 
lonely  with  both  absent.  He  had  written  them 
to  start  at  once  ,  and  sent  the  boy  a  pass.  They 
were  to  remain  in  Denver  until  he  arrived,  as 
they  would  need  a  rest.  The  stage  route  was 
very  rough,  and  he  could  see  them  safely  on 
their  way,  and  direct  them  about  change  of  cars. 
They  could  take  a  sleeper  after  leaving  Omaha, 


HILTON   HALL.  143 

but  a  day  or  so  spent  in  Chicago  would  please 
and  rest  them.  He  would  wire  her  just  when  to 
expect  them,  and  as  they  would  arrive  very  early 
in  the  morning,  it  would  not  be  necessary  to  go 
into  New  York  City.  She  could  meet  them  at  the 
little  railway  station  at  Elizabeth.  He  would  be 
minute  in  his  instructions,  and  assured  her  they 
would  arrjve  safe  and  well. 

She  was  glad  they  were  coming,  and  told 
him  so. 

Giving  her  directions  about  everything  in  the 
house,  how  to  turn  on  the  gas,  and  tell  how 
much  she  had  burned  during  the  month,  he 
instructed  her  about  all  the  bills  she  must  pay 
monthly.  How  to  prevent  the  furnace  from  burn- 
ing the  floor,  as  il  was  very  large,  and  there  was 
danger  that  one  of  the  pipes  might  become  too 
hot.  The  furnace  was  only  a  yard  from  the  din- 
ing-room floor;  what  plants  must  be  taken  up 
and  placed  in  the  cellar  and  others  must  be 
covered  with  straw.  She  herself  must  attend  to 
the  marketing,  and  see  that  the  house  was 
securely  locked  and  the  gas  all  turned  off  at 
night. 

The  next  week  he  bade  her  adieu  and  started 
westward,  writing  her  morning,  noon  and  night, 
and  sent  three  dispatches  ere  he  reached  Den- 
ver. From  there  he  wrote,  giving  her  directions 
about  going  up  to  the  Union  Railroad  Depot, 
providing  there  was  any  delay,  and  telling  her 


144  HILTON   HALL. 

only  to  attend  matinees,  if  they  went  to  the 
theatre  or  opera,  as  he  would  not  feel  that  she 
was  safe  around  the  ferry  so  late  at  night;  but  if 
she  would  take  a  maid  who  was  familiar  with 
the  city,  they  might  go  one  night  to  the  opera, 
but  must  leave  just  before  the  close  in  order  to 
catch  the  last  boat. 

During  the  two  weeks  ere  they  arrived  she 
had  three  girls;  one  was  a  maniac,  the  other 
would  get  intoxicated,  the  third  was  so  untidy 
she  dismissed  her  and  remained  alone. 

Writing  her  trials  to  Donnallen,  he  expressed 
the  deepest  sympathy,  and  regretted  leaving  her 
until  they  had  come,  but  trusted  their  presence 
would  solace  her.  Early  one  morning  they 
came.  Both  were  much  fatigued,  but  enjoyed 
the  journey.  There  had  been  pleasant  company 
and  many  amusing  incidents.  Sam  had  been 
taught  that  "Honesty  is  the  best  policy,"  and 
refused  to  say  his  name  was  "Bill  Adams,"  con- 
sequently he  did  not  use  the  pass  but  his  own 
money,  several  hundred  dollars,  which  was  quite 
a  disappointment  to  him,  as  he  had  expected  to 
purchase  many  fine  things  with  that  sum. 

Time  passed  rapidly  enough  now.  They  were 
agreeably  entertained  with  books,  music,  com- 
pany and  conversation  of  a  lively  nature,  attend- 
ing receptions,  and  on  Thanksgiving  day  listen- 
ing to  a  sermon  by  Dr.  Talmage. 

Every    steamer  from  California    brought    four 


HILTON   HALL.  145 

or  five  letters,  and  each  day  came  one  on  the 
overland  route  from  Mr.  Hilton,  who  could  not 
let  a  day  pass  \vithout  writing.  Each  moment 
when  not  occupied  was  filled  with  longing  for 
home. 

March  came,  and  with  it  Donnallen.  Several 
weeks  were  passed  in  travel,  with  a  week  in  New 
York  City  devoted  to  sight-seeing.  They  attended 
the  Grand  Opera,  hearing  Parepa-Rosa's  glorious 
voice  in  the  "Barber  cf  Saville, "  and  Wollach's 
Theatre,  Gallery  of  Art,  and  all  places  of  in- 
terest. Then  the  children  returned  home,  with 
the  promise  that  Donnallen  and  Helen  would 
come  on  the  first  through  train  that  was  to  drive 
the  gold  and  silver  stake  uniting  the  Union  and 
Central  Pacific. 

Soon  after  they  left,  quite  a  number  of  Helen's 
friends  came  to  New  York  City.  She  wished  to 
entertain  them.  This  he  refused  to  permit, 
saying  her  acquaintances  were  so  numerous  it 
would  be  like  keeping  public  house.  If  she  began, 
she  could  not  draw  the  line. 

"Very  well,"  said  she.  "I  think  you  should 
remember  that  hospitality  is  a  duty,  and  you 
cause  me  great  humiliation  when  you  slight  and 
treat  with  disrespect  a  guest  of  mine." 

"Well,"  replied  he,  "I  never  could  endure 
company,  and  will  not  begin  now." 

The  next  day  he  told  her  to  go  to  the  St. 
Nicholas  hotel,  and  receive  her  friends.  Mr. 


146  HILTON  HALL. 

and  Mrs.  Grimm  had  requested  an  interview. 
Invite  them  to  dine  with  us  there,  and  if  you 
choose  invite  them  to  the  theatre  and  opera. 
She  told  him  Mr.  Grimm  was  a  theatrical  mana- 
ger, and  wherever  he  went  was  given  a  pass  to  all 
places  of  amusement. 

She  went  at  once  to  the  city,  sending  her 
card  to  her  friends,  all  of  whom  called  on  her, 
and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Grimm,  came  in  the  evening. 

"How  do  you  like  New  York  City?"  inquired 
Mr.  Grimm,  as  they  seated  themselves  in  the 
parlor. 

"Oh,  not  at  all!  I  think  it  is  a  desolate 
place,  I  am  sure  you  will  think  so,  too,  if  you 
walk  out  amidst  the  throng  of  people,  and  see 
no  familiar  face,  for  to  meet  a  friend  on  Broad- 
way, is  the  exception,  and  not  the  rule." 

"Yes,"  said  Mr.  Grimm,  "there  is  no  wilder- 
ness so  dreary  as  a  wilderness  of  people." 

"Well,"  said  his  wife,  "I  hate  it  so  far  and 
everything  in  it.  My  dreams  were  so  beautiful, 
and  I  have  seen  nothing  yet  to  equal  my  expecta- 
tions." 

Helen  opened  her  eyes  in  unbounded  astonish- 
ment, while  Mr.  Grimm  smiled  quietly. 

Helen  broke  the  silence  by  asking,  "What 
she  had  seen,  and  if  she  was  fond  of  pictures?" 

Replying  that  she  was,  they  arranged  for  a 
drive  through  the  Park  and  a  morning  at  the 
"Gallery  of  Design." 


HILTON    HALL.  147 

They  urged  Helen  to  return  to  Utah  with 
them,  her  husband  promised  her  that  she  might 
go.  But  changed  his  mind,  telling  her  he  was 
sorry  he  consented,  as  he  intended  taking  her 
himself  in  May,  1869,  when  they  would  drive  the 
golden  stake.  He  did  not  think  it  would  look 
well  for  her  to  return  home  without  him,  after  an 
absence  of  more  than  three  years.  He  would 
join  their  party  and  go  out  in  September,  but 
could  not,  so  she  must  wait  until  spring." 

'    She    and    Mrs.    Grimm    visited    some    friends 
near  Long  Branch,  and  went  yachting. 

Then  Helen  bade  them  "Bon  voyage,"  and 
returned  home. 

Mr.  Hilton,  had  arrived  and  lighted  up  the 
house,  was  standing  at  the  window  waiting  for 
her.  The  servant  had  not  returned.  He  had 
broiled  the  chicken,  baked  the  potatoes,  set  the 
table  nicely,  all  was  ready  for  dinner,  but  the 
coffee,  as  he  had  fruit  for  dessert.  While  at 
dinner  he  asked  Helen  if  she  believed  prayers 
were  ever  answered.  She  always  said  hers,  but 
that  was  only  a  habit  he  imagined. 

She  had  no  doubt  but  that  earnest  prayer 
was  answered,  hers  had  been  often.  Well  she 
remembered  a  time,  when  she  could  not  have 
been  more  than  four  years  of  age.  Her  nurse 
was  a  beautiful  girl,  and  went  much  into  society. 
You  could  not  tell  a  gentleman  or  a  lady  by  their 
occupation,  those  days.  There  was  an  excur 


148  HILTON   HALL. 

sion  into  the  country,  and  that  her  nurse  might 
attend,  her  mother  told  the  girl  and  man 
servant  to  remain  at  home  and  take  care  of  her, 
and  left  some  goodies  to  be  given  her  at  inter- 
vals during  the  day.  No  sooner  were  they  well 
out  of  sight,  than  those  two  ate  all  her  dainties, 
shut  her  out  of  the  house,  and  left  the  premises 
for  a  day  out,  leaving  her  alone  in  a  neighbor- 
hood surrounded  by  Indians  and  many  dangers. 
She  sat  on  the  door-step,  with  her  hands  to  her 
eyes  and  the  tears  trickling  through  her  fingers, 
then  she  grew  angry  and  stamped,  soon  the  ants 
in  a  bed  near  her,  attracted  her  attention;  she 
watched  them  for  a  time,  thinking  how  marvel- 
ous they  were,  when  a  gentle  breeze  rustled  the 
leaves  in  the  tree  tops.  She  had  a  quick  ear  for 
music,  and  in  the  silence  as  she  listened  caught 
the  softest  tone.  Lifting  her  eyes  away  from 
the  tree  tops  up  to  the  skies,  God  came  into  her 
heart,  and  she  knew  her  Maker.  She  was  no 
longer  afraid,  or  angry,  but  sang  with  the  birds, 
and  watched  the  wonderful  little  beavers  build 
their  dam.  No  Indian  passed  by,  although  it 
was  their  custom  to  tramp  through  the  premises 
several  times  a  day.  When  she  was  older  and 
read  the  Bible,  she  knew  what  it  meant  by, 
"There  shall  no  evil  happen  unto  thee, 
neither  shall  any  plague  come  nigh  thy  dwelling, 
for  he  shall"  give  his  angels  charge  over 
thee,  to  keep  thee  in  all  thy  ways." 


HTLTON  HALL.  149 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 


GOING  TO  THE  WESTERN  HOME- 

To  us  in  despite  of  the  absence  of  years, 
How  sweet  the  remembrance  of  home  still  appears; 
From  allurements  abroad,  which  but  flatter  the  eye, 
The  unsatisfied  heart  turns,  and  says  with  a  sigh, 
Home,  Home,  sweet  sweet  Home. 

/.  H.  Payne. 

Donnallen  Hilton  was  rather  shabby  in  his 
dress,  and  never  fashionable.  His  collar  was 
always  the  same  style,  his  necktie  an  old-fashioned 
black  cravat,  but  in  his  shirt  bosom  he  always 
wore  three  tiny  enameled  studs  with  a  cluster  of 
diamond  clippings.  Around  his  neck  a  plain 
watch  chain,  that  had  been  his  fathers. 

After  an  absence  of  several  days  he  came 
home  early  in  the  evening.  He  wore  a  well 
worn  brown  coat,  a  slouched  hat,  under  his  left 
arm  a  pistol,  from  under  his  coat  at  the  back  of 
his  neck  a  Spanish  stiletto,  fastened  to  his  belt 
was  a  tiny  poinard  sharp  as  a  razor.  He  carried 
an  old  carpet  sack  that  contained  $10,000.  For 
a  moment  Helen  did  not  recognize  the  hard, 
stern,  cruel,  tyrannical  face.  When  she  did  she 
burst  into  tears,  she  was  horrified,  she  had  seen 


150  HILTON  HALL. 

t 

robbers  and  knew  their  fchieft^ah  was  often  a 
man  in  the  best  circles  of  large  cities,  a  sort  of 
silent  partner,  and  in  a  moment  judged  he  was 
such. 

He  asked  her  what  was  the  matter,  smiling, 
which  made  a  strange  contrast  to  the  harsh  for- 
bidding expression  of  a  moment  before. 

She  explained,  he  laughed  immoderately  at 
the  imputation,  and  said  that  he  had  been  to  his 
country  stores,  and  this  money  was  his  share  of 
the  profits  after  he  had  settled  with  his  agents. 
He  wore  the  old  clothes  and  carried  the  old 
carpet  sack  so  no  one  would  imagine  he  had  so 
much  money,  and  the  weapons  were  carried  in 
case  of  emergency.  This  convinced  her  and  the 
subject  was  dropped. 

Soon  after  this,  a  man  came  to  the  house 
making  inquiries  about  some  friend  whom  he  had 
been  informed  lived  in  that  vicinity.  He  had 
been  absent  for  years  and  having  a  few  days  of 
leisure  would  be  pleased  to  find  them.  Helen 
coud  not  aid  him,  but  she  noticed  the  man  eyed 
her  like  a  hawk.  She  watched  him  after  he  left 
and  felt  sure  he  was  a  detective.  A  day  or  so 
after  this,  they  went  into  the  city  for  dinner,  and 
to  attend  Booth's  theatre.  Just  in  front  of  them 
was  the  same  man,  sound  asleep.  He  awakened 
as  the  cars  stopped' and  left  them,  but  did  not  go 
aboard  the  boat.  Instead,  he  waited  until  they 
passed.  She  was  sure  they  were  being  shadowed 


HILTON   HALL.  IDl 

and  called  Mr.  Hilton's  attention  to  the  man. 
At  sight  of  him  Donnallen's  face  turned  ghastly, 
but  he  made  no  remark.  They  entered  a  street 
car,  and  the  stranger  disappeared. 

Mr.  Hilton  was  now  absent  weeks  at  a  time. 
He  sent  her  a  note,  that  business  called  him  to 
New  Orleans.  She  received  letters  from  there 
three  times  a  day,  two  on  the  morning  train, 
and  one  at  night  saying  he  should  be  absent 
three  months. 

More  than  two  had  passed  when  she  heard 
he  had  been  in  New  York  at  his  bank  every  day. 
She  was  deeply  distressed  and  went  at  once  to 
the  bank,  but  her  husband  was  not  there.  His 
brother  Edward  told  her  Donnallen  had  always 
dealt  crookedly,  and  they  had  just  had  a  terrible 
fight,  which  had  cost  them  hundreds  of  thous- 
ands of  dollars.  He  had  forwarded  his  letters  to 
their  house  in  New  Orleans  to  prevent  her  know- 
ing anything  about  the  suit,  said  he,  "Babe, 
break  it  up,  you  can  if  you  will  for  Donnallen 
loves  you,  and  I  am  so  tired  of  it,  so  tired." 

"You  see,  Babe,  he  [determined  to  become  a 
millionaire,  no  matter  to  what  he  should  owe  his 
wealth.  We  prospered  in  the  grocery  business, 
then  went  into  the  liquor  traffic,  and  accumulated 
an  abundance.  All  went  smoothly  until  Don- 
nallen discovered  that  an  illicit  distillery  was 
more  profitable.  He  set  them  up  in  the  Blue 
Mountains  of  Virginia.  He  knew  there  was  danger, 


152  HILTON   HALL. 

but  he  said  he  would  chance  it.  He  has  made 
immense  sums,  but  it  is  constant  war,  until  I  am 
sick  of  it,  sick  of  it. 

"Break  it  up  and  if  he  is  angry  with  you,  from 
my  abundance  I  will  provide  for  you.  I  wish  to 
retire  but  he  wont  let  me.  I  have  so  much 
money.  It  is  a  burden,  and  I  would  be  glad  to 
get  rid  of  the  care  of  it,  and  have  a  little  peace. 
When  a  man  has  so  much  as  to  make  a  slave 
of  himself,  he  has  too  much." 

"Have  you  ever  been  to  California?"  asked 
Helen. 

"No,  but  Mr.  Adams  is  my  agent  there,  in 
the  bank  and  on  the  Pacific  Coast.  I  have  no 
fault  to  find  as  he  attends  strictly  to  business. 
Donnallen  says  we  could  not  have  a  better 
agent." 

After  a  long  conversation  she  returned  home, 
iviser  than  she  left  and  with  forebodings  of  evil. 

One  of  the  partners  was  on  the  train.  He 
told  Helen  Mr.  Hilton  sold  liquor  to  the 
"Mollie  Maguiies,"  and  when  he  went  to  collect 
the  money  he  disguised  himself,  and  was  well 
armed,  as  he  was  afraid  of  the  men. 

Now  she  understood  why  he  so  often  regis- 
tered under  an  assumed  name,  and  why  he  took 
such  sudden  journeys. 

The  following  week  Mr.  Hilton  returned, 
travel  stained  and  weary,  talking  rapidly  about 
his  business  in  the  South. 


HILTON   HALL.  153 

She  said,  "Do  not  improvise,  I  have  had  an 
interview  with  your  brother  and  know  all 
about  it." 

He  fastened  the  door  securely,  that  no  one 
should  intrude  or  hear  what  he  said.  He  was  a 
man  of  exceptionally  strong  and  unimpressionable 
constitution.  His  cause  was  wrong,  but  no 
doubt  his  judgment  was  misled  concerning  it,  by 
his  friends  who  assured  him  if  he  made  a 
success  of  it  there  would  be  no  difficulty  in 
freeing  him  from  the  consequences. 

He  said,  "You  don't  know  what  you  ask  me 
to  relinquish.  It  is  an  awful  pile  of  money." 

But  said  she,  "The  trade  is  servile  and  sneak- 
ing, your  friends  have  perverted  your  judgment 
and  led  you  astray.  Your  brother's  reasoning  is 
wisest  and  best,  and  1  am  with  him,  but  you 
listen  to  us  as  if  we  had  some  selfish  motive." 

He  admitted  the  evil.  But  said  he,  "There 
is  nothing  on  earth  like  money.  The  world  will 
bow  to  it,  and  there  is  no  law  for  the  rich  man. 
Helen,  I  know  the  world  better  than  you." 

"Do  you  think  however  wealthy  you  become 
people  will  not  point  at  you  as  the  'Moon- 
shiner,' haunted  by  the  secret  spy?" 

"Oh,  I'll  be  even  with  them.  There  is  little 
danger  of  detection.  You  see  I  don't  work 
there." 

"No  you  employ  men  to  break  the  law  for 
you.  You  disguise  yourself  and  steal  away,  then 


154  HILTON   HALL. 

live  for  weeks  in  hades,  hypocrisy  your  burden, 
and  sometimes  it  ends  with  arrest." 

"Well,  I  have  the  best  advice.  Poh!  There 
is  no  danger,  it  is  appalling,  the  number  of  mer- 
cenary people  who  will  practice  deception  in  the 
interest  of  gain, they  will  never  throw  stones  at  me. " 

The  argument  ended  in  a  promise  that  Edward 
should  retire  if  he  wished,  and  he  would  with- 
draw from  the  moonshiners. 

Helen  knew  he  was  making  an  effort  to  keep 
the  promise,  and  was  satisfied.  Christmas  came 
again,  and  she  gave  him  a  beautifully  worked 
pair  of  slippers,  she  embroidered  them  during 
his  absence  so  they  should  be  a  surprise. 

He  smilingly  thanked  her  and  said  "I  should 
have  made  you  an  acceptable  Christmas  gift,  but 
the  trouble  is  I  have  outlived  all  that  nonsense." 

She  told  him  Christmas  and  New  Year's 
day  were  the  pleasantest  days  in  the  year  in  her 
Western  home.  The  family  were  always  together, 
and  each  one  did  something  to  make  the  other 
happy.  That  the  four  passed  with  him,  had 
been  exceedingly  dull,  with  not  so  much  as  a 
paper  of  bon-bons,  to  make  it  seem  different 
from  other  days." 

The  first  of  May  came,  and  Mr.  Hilton, 
true  to  his  promise  had  arranged  everything 
for  a  visit  to  her  parents.  They  left  New  York 
with  the  mud  and  slush,  and  found  it  quite 
spring  like  in  Chicago.  They  went  to  the 


HILTON   HALL.  155 

Sherman  House,  and  remained  until  the  next 
evening  when  they  would  leave  for  Omaha. 

They  spent  the  day  doing  the  city.  They 
walked  to  the  lake  shore,  then  climbed  to  the 
Cupola  of  the  court-house  to  view  the  surround- 
ing landscape.  In  the  evening  when  they  left,  the 
cars  were  just  packed  with  people  going  to 
California  on  the  first  train. 

At  Omaha,  it  was  quite  interesting  crossing 
the  river  on  the  boats  and  waiting  for  hours  for 
the  last  car.  Her  heart  was  full  of  gladness 
when  she  beheld  again  the  mountains.  Donnallen 
urged  her  to  go  on  to  California  with  him  after  a 
stay  of  eight  or  ten  days  at  home.  This  she 
refused  to  do. 

When  they  left  Omaha,  the  conductor  refused 
to  honor  Mr.  Hilton's  pass,  then  she  discovered 
he  was  under  an  assumed  name.  He  wired  back 
to  a  friend,  a  Senator,  who  soon  sent  a  dispatch, 
"Honor  Mr.  Hert's  ticket." 

She  concluded  one  could  not  change  a  tricky 
person  in  a  day,  it  had  ceased  to  impress  her 
at  all. 

The  stage  coach  which  they  took  at  Ogden 
arrived  at  her  home  at  the  same  hour,  day,  and 
month  that  she  had  met  Mr.  Hilton  nine  years 
before.  There  were  many  friends  to  welcome 
her.  They  made  plans  for  constant  recreation 
while  she  remained.  She  gladly  accepted.  The 
weather  was  perfect.  The  "Twin  sisters,"  those 


156  HILTON  HALL. 

watch  towers  of  the  snowy    Wasatch    had    grown 
more  majestic. 

The  orchards  were  in  bloom,  the  robins  sang 
joyfully  near  her  window,  the  sun  set  gloriously, 
and  soon  the  frogs  werve  happily  croaking  in 
time,  at  least,  if  not  in  tune,  as  one  invariably 
led  with  three  solemn  croaks,  followed  by  a  full 
chorus.  Just  as  they  did  of  yore. 

They  drove  over  the  hills  and  dales,  and 
gathered  the  "flowers — the  beautiful  flowers, 
kissed  by  the  dew  drops  and  bathed  by  the 
showers,"  as  they  used  to  sing.  They  galloped 
into  the  villages  on  horseback.  They  went  boat- 
ing and  bathing,  entered  the  caves  climbing  the 
elephant's  back  to  reach  a  point  where  they 
could  stand  upright.  They  ascended  the  moun- 
tains to  a  point  where  the  views  were  most 
enchanting.  Did  over  again  all  the  scenes  of 
their  childhood,  singing  and  laughing,  "Gay  as 
the  birds  that  warble  above  our  heads,"  remarked 
one  of  them.  Sometimes  they  hushed  their 
voices,  as  they  came  near  the  green  mound  of  a 
departed  friend,  for  death  had  thinned  their 
ranks.  A  few  weeks  of  this  and  the  dimples 
returned  to  Helen's  face.  A  continual  round  of 
pleasure,  until  September  when  she  had  to  return 
to  New  York. 

Soon  after  her  arrival  Mr.  Hilton  brought  her 
one  day  some  stolen  "bonds,"  saying  she  could 
cash  them,  if  she  liked,  and  if  not  it  might  mean 


HILTON   HALL.  157 

a  separation,  as  she  had  made  a  number  very 
unfriendly  to  her.  She  knew  better  than  to 
cash  them,  and  did  not,  but  they  had  a  serious 
misunderstanding  as  she  saw  he  had  returned  to 
his  old  associates. 

He  admitted  he  had  and  obstinately  refused 
to  be  reformed.  There  was  no  use  to  argue 
longer,  as  the  coldness  and  distance  between 
them  grew  more  apparent  after  each  discussion. 

She  knew  her  lite  was  again  to  be  the  same 
monotonous  round,  but  it  was  to  terminate 
abruptly. 


CHAPTER    XXIV. 


RICHMOND- 
Speech  was  given  to  man  to  conceal  his  thoughts. —  Voltaire- 

The  troubles  Helen  had  passed  through  caused 
a  severe  attack  of  neuralgia,  which  increased  as 
the  cold  weather  set  in. 

Donnallen  proposed  she  should  try  change  of 
climate.  He  had  friends  in  Georgia,  and  they 
would  be  most  kind  to  her  and  pleased  to  make 
her  acquaintance.  They  were  deeply  indebted  to 
him,  all  they  possessed  they  owed  to  his  kindness. 
Then  too  the  climate  was  delightful.  Helen  con- 
sented to  go,  packing  her  trunks  and  sent  those  she 


158  HILTON   HALL 

did  not    need  to  his  bank  where    they   would    be 
stored. 

*  One  bright  February  morning  they  proceeded 
on  their  journey,  stopping  at  Washington  as 
business  there  required  his  attention.  After  a 
few  days,  they  continued  on  their  journey. 
Helen  was  much  amused,  as  they  went  aboard 
the  boat,  watching  the  negroes  on  the  wharf,  and 
listening  to  their  sweet  melodies,  Sailing  down 
the  Potomac,  Hilton,  whose  manners  were  simple, 
with  pleasant  voice,  pointed  out  the  important 
strategical  points  during  the  civil  war. 

They  had  a  splendid  view  of  the  residence 
and  birthplace  of  Washington,  Helen,  inhaled 
with  delight  the  fresh  draughts  of  air,  and  forgot 
the  pain  as  she  viewed  the  cheerful  landscape. 
There  was  much  too  of  sadness  in  the  ruin 
wrought  by  the  war.  Mr.  Hilton  took  occasion  to 
inform  her  "That  he  was  perhaps  selfish  and 
wicked,  but  he  wished  her  to  live  reclusively  and 
exclusively  for  himself  while  away.  She  was 
not  to  mingle  in  society  at  all  during  her  sojourn 
there. " 

Arriving  at  Richmond,  it  was  dark  and  rainy. 
Going  to  the  principal  hotel,  they  went  at  once 
to  the  dining-room  for  refreshment.  Then  Mr. 
Hilton  proposed  that  she  remain  for  a  time  ere 
going  to  Georgia.  She  would  be  nearer  him,  he 
could  run  down  and  see  her  from  Washington, 
where  business  often  called  him. 


HILTON    HALL.  159 

Helen  replied,  "It  made  no  difference,  her 
object  being  to  avoid  the  rigors  of  winter,  if  she 
felt  well  here,  could  just  as  well  remain.  It 
seemed  a  beautiful  city,  and  there  were  fresh 
vegetables  and  fruit  for  dinner." 

He  said,  "since  she  had  decided  he  would 
take  the  seven  o'clock  train  next  morning  for 
New  York  City.  She  was  to  write  him  if  she 
preferred  to  go  farther  South.  He  would  come 
and  take  her  there,  but  should  she  be  ill  she 
must  wire  him." 

Going  to  her  room,  she  rang  for  ice  water. 
The  maid  called,  "Christopher  Columbus  George 
Washington  Leopold,  some  ice  water. "  In  came 
a  little  nigger,  mouth  stretched  from  ear  to  ear; 
Helen  said,  "You  must  be  of  consequence  judg- 
ing from  your  name." 

"I  is,  couldn't  run  this  here  hotel  with- 
out me." 

Telling  the  maid  she  would  like  her  trunk, 
was  much  amused  to  hear  "Don  Caesar  Agustus 
Cicero"  and  find  all  those  high  sounding  names 
belonged  to  the  porter.  Morning  came  still 
raining  a  damp,  dismal,  chilling,  drizzle.  Helen 
woke  up  with  that  strange  feeling  of  oppression, 
which  is  caused  by  something  unpleasant,  and 
judged  it  was  the  weather.  When  Mr.  Hilton 
came  in  abruptly,  saying,  "The  buss  is  at  the 
door;  I  am  in  an  awful  hurry,  good-bye  love- 
write  often,"  and  was  gone. 


1  60  HILTON   HALL. 

The  day  was  dull,  the  rain  never  ceasing  for 
a  moment,  causing  great  pain  to  her  face,  so  she 
did  not  leave  her  room  that  day,  having  her 
meals  brought  to  her. 

At  night,  a  poor  beggar  sat  under  her  window, 
wailing  out  upon  an  accordeon  the  most  doleful 
melodies.  Ever  after  Helen  said,  "The  one  in- 
strument of  torture,  unknown  to  mankind  was 
the  accordeon."  Never  could  she  hear  it  without 
a  shudder.  Weeping  until  exhaustion  caused  her 
to  sleep  and  morning  came  with  a  flood  of  sun- 
light, feeling  much  better.  Alter  breakfast  she 
took  out  her  portfolio,  writing  several  letters. 
Then  went  to  lunch. 

Some  people  say  they  have  no  romance  in 
their  lives,  that  their  lives  have  held  no  story, 
have  been  uneventful,  but  in  Helen's  life  from 
early  days  the  unlocked  for  and  unexpected 
seemed  always  happening. 

The  proprietor  came  to  her  saying,  "Mrs. 
Hart,  you  may  sit  here  at  my  table,  as  you  are 
likely  to  remain  at  our  hotel  for  some  time,  so 
the  gentleman  said,  who  commended  you  vto  my 
care.  He  also  told  me  your  husband  died  of 
yellow  fever  at  New  Orleans.  You  are  young  to 
be  a  widow.  You  look  like  a  mere  child." 

For  a  moment  she  was  horrified,  then  burst 
into  laughter.  The  proprietor  gave  her  a  search- 
ing glance,  then  sat  down  by  her,  passing  her  a 
glass  of  water,  said,  "As  I  remarked  you  are  very 


HILTON    HALL.  161 

young,  should  you  need  advice,  don't  hesitate  to 
ask  it.  Wife  will  call  on  you  soon  and  we  will 
try  and  make  your  stay  pleasant."  Afterward, 
he  said,  "Her  extreme  youth,  her  deadly  paleness 
and  excited  laugh  filled  him  with  compassion  and 
he  resolved  to  protect  her.  He  was  recently 
married,  his  honey-moon  not  yet  over.  Helen's 
first  impulse  was  to  confide  in  the  proprietor,  then 
remembering  how  Mr.  Hilton  would  deceive  you 
before  your  face  and  yet  convince  you  that  you  saw 
wrongly,  lie  to  you,  you  know  it,  yet  end  by 
believing  him.  So  said  one  of  his  friends,  and 
he  had,  when  he  wished  to  deceive,  a  smile  that 
deceived  as  many  men  as  women.  So  returning 
to  her  room,  feeling  dreary  and  lonely,  weeping 
bitter  tears  of  humiliation  that  she  must,  here 
too,  struggle  with  the  deceit  that  had  been  thrust 
upon  her,  and  thought  sadly  of  the  strange  vicis- 
situdes and  experiences  which  had  crowded  them- 
selves into  her  life.  Her  meditations  were  inter- 
rupted by  the  proprietor  calling,  saying,  "He  was 
going  to  put  her  into  the  other  hotel,  where  only 
his  most  elegant  people  stopped  and  she  was  to 
have  a  cheerful  room,  and  his  wife  would  intro- 
duce her  to  some  of  their  special  friends  and 
whatever  of  sorrow  had  come  into  her  life,  he 
trusted  would  soon  end  in  joy." 

She  slept  soundly  that  night.  When  morning 
came,  opening  her  window,  a  flood  of  sunlight 
and  hope  came  to  her,  being  of  a  sanguine 


162  HILTON    HALL. 

temperament.  She  did  not  despair,  but  trusted 
all  would  yet  be  well,  still  the  clouds  that  hovered 
over  her  were  black. 

After  breakfast,  putting  on  her  wraps,  she 
passed  into  the  street.  Many  trees  were  in  leaf, 
and  the  hawthorn  and  cherry  were  white  with 
blossoms;  in  front  of  some  of  the  stately  man- 
sions, in  neat  beds,  tulips,  hyacinths  and  English 
violets  bloomed.  While  viewing  the  city  with 
its  hills  and  dales  and  the  beautiful  river,  won- 
dering what  ether  experiences  and  dangers  lay  in 
her  pathway,  her  reverie  was  interrupted  by  a 
contemptuous  sound.  Looking  around,  she  saw 
the  blackest  little  nigger  saying  with  grimaces, 
"My!  My!  My!  The  best  duds  I  ever  expect 
to  wear,  O  Lord!  Who  are  we  anyway?"  Helen 
lent  against  "Harts,  marble  statue  of  Henry 
Clay,"  and  laughed  immoderately.  Some  say  it 
is  quite  impossible  to  pronounce  opinions  upon 
people  whom  we  meet,  with  any  accuracy,  but 
that  little  nigger  grasped  the  situation  at  once. 
For  aught  Helen  knew,  she  was  a  pauper — rather 
humiliating  to  say  the  least. 

Just  then  a  lady  said,  "Pardon  me,  I  am  Mrs. 
Gray,  you  sit  at  my  table.  I  have  taken  a  fancy 
to  you.  As  you  walk  each  day  it  will  be  pleasant 
to  join  you.  I  am  an  invalid,  but  try  and  walk, 
instead  of  drive,  as  it  gives  me  more  exercise. 
You  are  a  widow,  and  so  young,  Oh,  how  sad  it 


HILTON   HALL.  163 

must  be,  to  lose  one's  husband  and  be  left  alone 
in  a  strange  city!" 

Helen  replied,  "Her  company  would  be 
delightful,  but  she  was  not  a  widow,  but  was 
forbidden  to  speak,  until  her  husband  chose  to 
make  known  the  reason  for  concealment." 

Said  the  lady  smiling,  "You  have  been  under 
surveillance,  and  we  have  decided  you  are  not  an 
ordinary  person.  You  are  a  lady  with  refined 
thought,  beautiful  ideas,  you  have  principle  and 
courage.  My  husband  was  an  eminent  Washing- 
ton lawyer.  We  were  southerners  and  returned 
home  just  before  the  Civil  war  and  cast  our  lot 
with  the  Confederacy.  He  told  me,  you  were 
under  an  assumed  name,  that  when  your  name 
was  spoken  at  the  table,  you  made  no  reply.  He 
then  observed  you  closely  and  said  it  was  an 
unfamiliar  sound  to  you,  but  whatever  was  the 
trouble,  )'ou  were  not  to  blame,  to  the  tips  of 
your  fingers,  you  were  a  lady.  That  your  being 
left  by  that  old  man,  in  that  strange  fashion,  had 
raised  up  friends  for  you.  Sorrow  has  made  us 
feel  with  and  for  others.  We  do  not  spend  our 
time  in  selfish  brooding  over  our  reverses,  but 
try  to  mitigate  them  by  help  and  sympathy  given 
to  the  sorrows  of  others.  We  have  talked  the 
matter  over,  we  may  be  uncharitable,  but  find  no 
other  solution  but  this.  He  has  chosen  to  hide 
your  real  name,  purposely  to  deceive  others  and 
yourself.  So  we  will  try  to  save  you  from  the  ruin 


164  HILTON    HALL. 

he  has  premeditated.  My  husband  says  certainly 
there  was  a  marriage,  his  conduct  proves  it. 
The  only  question  that  remains  is,  whether  it  is  a 
legal  one.  Mr.  Gray  does  not  practice  now,  but  his 
opinion  is  worth  having.  Now  I  intend  to  be  your 
friend,  I  like  you,  I  will  accept  you  as  you  are, 
without  knowing  more  than  you  choose  to  tell-" 

A  few  days  after  this,  a  party  of  gentlemen 
from  St.  Louis  came  to  the  hotel,  saw  Helen, 
and  said,  "There  is  the  daughter  of  Mr.  Doty, 
she  was  a  lovely  child  but  married  an  old  man  of 
New  York  City  worth  millions  of  money." 

The  proprietor  replied,   "She  is  a  widow." 

"Then  she  must  have  vast  wealth,  as  he  was 
fond  of  her." 

However,  ere  they  lett,  they  gave  him  their 
cards,  with  the  request  that  he  should  pay  her 
every  attention.  Should  anything  happen  to  her, 
to  inform  them.  In  a  few  days  the  wife  of  the 
proprietor  called.  She  was  a  charming  and 
idolized  daughter  of  a  wealthy  ship  owner  of 
Boston,  Massachussets.  She  brought  Helen  some 
magazines  and  told  her  she  was  welcome  to  use 
the  books  from  her  library  whenever  she  wished 
to  read.  Also  that  she  would  be  pleased  to  take 
her  driving,  whenever  she  \\ent,  which  was  often 
after  dinner,  that  hour  being  the  pleasantest. 
With  mutual  exchange  of  civilities,  they  separated. 

The  other  ladies  called.  All  seemed  to  find 
Helen  congenial.  All  but  two  were  musicians. 


HILTON   HALL.  *  165 

One,  a  lovely  woman,  Mrs.  McKenzie,  who 
played  the  piano  in  such  fascinating  style  as  to 
make  them  oblivious  of  the  hours  and  storms. 
They  began  to  look  forward  with  delight,  to 
those  evenings,  when  the  guests  of  the  hotel  were 
engaged  with  balls,  operas  and  parties.  Then 
the  ladies  with  the  invalids  would  assemble  in 
the  parlor  and  leading  Mrs.  McKenzie  to  the 
instrument,  when  with  a  touch  like  magic,  she  ren- 
dered Mendelssohn's  songs,  Beethoven's  grandest 
sonatas  and  Wallenhaupts  marches.  Other  ladies 
sang,  then  followed  conversation  upon  scientific 
subjects.  Now  and  then  would  come  some  one  of 
the  guests,  peeping  in,  retiring,  they  would  hear 
them  say,  "What  pleasure  those  ladies  have 
together." 

As  the  summer  came,  the  flowers  were  most 
beautiful,  those  on  the  magnolia  trees  looking  like 
white  doves.  The  air  was  laden  with  perfume. 
The  linnet  and  mocking  bird  sang  all  day.  But 
for  the  deceit  and  treachery  under  which  she 
was  placed,  and  which  she  did  not  know  how  to 
surmount,  her  sojourn  would  have  been  indeed 
delightful.  And  if  the  memory  of  the  past,  like  a 
dark  cloud,  at  times  crosses  her  mind,  it  is 
recompensed  by  the  acquaintance  and  society  of 
those  ladies,  whose  knowledge  of  courtesy  and 
good  manners  was  equal  to  their  grace  and 
beauty. 


166  HILTON   HALL. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 


WHITE  SULPHUR  SPRINGS,  VR. 

As  the  warm  weather  advanced,  the  ladies 
urged  Helen  to  go  with  them  to  the  springs. 

Having  obtained  permission  to  go  with  suffi- 
cient money  to  cover  the  expenses,  they  one 
bright  summer  morning  left  the  hotel  for  a  short 
sojourn  at  this  famous  resort.  The  journey  was 
really  quite  exhilerating,  there  was  much  to 
interest  and  amuse  them,  the  time  passed 
pleasantly,  until  they  reached  the  springs. 

They  were  a  distinguished  party,  and  took  a 
cottage,  that  being  the  proper  thing  to  do.  All 
authors,  poets  and  great  people  occupied  the  log 
cottages.  They  went  to  the  hotel  for  refresh- 
ments. There  was  a  grand  ball,  and  the  whole 
place  was  alive  with  lights,  music  and  dancing. 
While  groups  of  young  people  were  discussing 
the  prospective  belles.  Whether  this  young  lady, 
or  that,  had  sufficient  wealth  and  beauty  to  reign 
this  season;  and  all  the  dainty  accessories  of 
their  toilets  were  called  in  question.  Now,  there 
would  pass  one  so  beautiful,  jewels  would  be 
thrown  away  upon  her.  Then  they  would  amuse 
each  other  detailing  the  many  incidents  of  last 


HILTON   HALL.  167 

season.  Then  there  would  be  quite  a  stir,  a  new 
arrival,  and  an  heiress,  and  they  spread  the  news 
rapidly  throughout  the  merry  company. 

Helen  and  her  party  felt  weary,  and  soon 
retired  to  their  cottage,  five  ladies  occupying  one. 
After  examining  their  rooms,  to  see  that  all  was 
well  and  no  snakes,  as  they  sometimes  intruded 
upon  the  cottagers,  they  went  to  rest.  At  early 
dawn,  they  were  awakened  by  the  band  playing  in 
the  grand  stand.  This  is  a  health  resort,  and  they 
breakfast  at  six.  The  music  puts  them  in  the  best 
of  humors  while  they  prepare  their  toilets.  After 
breakfast,  they  hasten  to  the  springs,  they  walk 
about  the  grounds  and  make  morning  calls.  Then 
climb  to  the  "Lover's  Leap,"  where  along  the 
banks  grow  tall  thickets  of  fragrant  rhododen- 
drons, with  their  pink  and  cream-white  flowers. 
Some  of  the  company  amused  themselves  with 
games. 

Helen  found  many  friends,  and  was  informed 
that  she  was  sufficiently  attractive  to  become  one 
of  the  belles.  Among  her  admirers  was  one  old 
gentleman,  who  very  soon  informed  her,  "The 
time  had  come  when  he  stood  face  to  face  with 
the  knowledge  of  his  love,  when  he  said  to  him- 
self that,  if  marriages  were  made  in  Heaven, 
there  was  one  woman  intended  to  replace  his 
dear  departed,  and  become  a  companion  for  his 
only  child,  a  daughter.  That  she  was  the  only 
woman  in  the  world  he  could  ever  love.  She 


168  HILTON   HALL. 

stood  out  quite  distinct  and  clear  to  him.  He 
knew  they  were  comparative  strangers,  but  he 
could  give  ample  references,  and  as  the  face  was 
an  index  to  character,  he  would  trust  her,  if  she 
said  yes." 

Helen  informed  him,  "She  was  not  at  liberty 
to  marry  him  nor  could  she  explain  matters." 

He  was  a  gentleman,  and  did  not  insist  upon 
an  explanation,  but  it  was  plain,  he  was  disap- 
pointed. He  was  not  a  fortune  hunter  as  he 
possessed  vast  wealth. 

He  quoted  Moor: 

0  ever  thus  from  childhood's  hour, 
I've  seen  my  fondest  hopes  decay; 

1  never  loved  a  tree  or  flower, 
But  'twas  the  first  to  fade  away. 

Here  they  were  interrupted  by  Mr.  Dubois 
and  Miss  May  entering  the  parlor,  the  latter 
remarked  laughingly,  "This  looks  suspicious! 
Mr.  Dubois,  I  am  sure  we  intrude,  suppose  we 
retire." 

Helen  would  not  permit  this,  and  they  passed 
a  delightful  evening  together. 

Upon  returning  to  Richmond,  very  soon  Helen 
noticed  the  letters  and  remittances  were  very 
irregular,  and  that  the  signature  to  the  letters 
was  often  omitted.  She  began  to  feel  the  wear 
and  tear  upon  her  wardrobe,  with  nothing  to 
replenish.  She  consulted  Mrs.  Gray  about  a 
change  of  hotel,  as  she  felt  she  must  retrench, 


HILTON   HALL.  169 

• 

and  so  save  a  small  sum  to  repair  her  wardrobe 
and  for  incidental  expenses. 

Mrs.  Gray  knew  a  fine  woman,  who  had  met 
with  reverses  and  kept  boarders,  thought  it  would 
be  possible  to  obtain  a  room.  Would  enquire, 
and  she  could  save  five  dollars  per  month,  pro- 
viding she  decided  to  leave  the  hotel.  She  dis- 
liked the  gossip  of  a  boarding-house,  but  judged 
this  one  singularly  free. 

She  interviewed  her  friend  and  recommended 
Helen,  but  said  nothing  as  to  her  object  of 
change.  The  house  was  not  far  from  the  hotel. 
Helen  made  all  arrangements  for  moving,  but 
left  the  hotel  with  regret,  and  went  to  her  new 
home,  a  room  upon  the  top  floor  commanding 
a  beautiful  view  of  the  Capitol  grounds  in  winter, 
but  in  summer  the  trees  obstructed  the  view. 
She  felt  lonely  and  sad,  as  she  knew  nothing 
with  certainty  as  to  the  movements  or  intentions 
of  her  husband. 

Her  pensive  meditations  were  interrupted  by 
a  parrot  saying,  "There  is  the  dinner  bell,"  and 
one  sounded.  Going  into  the  dining-room,  Helen 
was  introduced  to  several  of  the  boarders,  only  a 
few  treating  her  with  common  civility.  Those 
were  the  members  of  the  family,  and  two  lovely 
girls,  really  members  of  the  best  society  of 
Richmond. 

She  left  the  table,  confident  she  would  be  very 

7 


170  HILTON    HALL. 

lonely,  and  life  would  be  dreary  for  a  girl  not 
nearly  twenty-five  in  lodgings  like  these. 

As  she  passed  up  to  her  room,  two  ladies 
were  descending,  they  smiled  sweetly  as  she 
passed  them,  but  ere  she  was  out  of  hearing,  she 
heard  them  laugh  and  say,  "Well,  shall  we  have 
such  cattle  with  us  every  day?"  A  sudden  horror 
and  fear  swept  down  upon  her  soul,  and  seemed 
to  quench  her  very  life;  she  could  not  understand 
why  they  judged  her  so  differently,  they  looked 
upon  her  as  vulgar  and  ill  bred,  while  those 
ladies  at  the  hotel  thought  her  sensitive  and 
sympathetic.  Locking  the  door  of  her  room,  she 
wept  bitterly  for  a  time,  then  going  to  the  piano 
she  opened  it  and  began  playing. 

Something  she  had  not  done  for  several  years, 
she  had  great  taste  and  modulation,  but  found 
her  execution  in  playing  bad,  she  was  losing  the 
use  of  her  fingers.  Then  she  tried  a  song,  singing 
softly  lest  she  should  be  heard. 

There  came  a  rap  at  the  door;  in  came  lovely 
Lillian  May,  an  Albany  girl.  She  was  beautiful, 
fascinating,  accomplished  and  traveled,  and  the 
same  who  interrupted  the  tete-a-tete  at  the  W. 
S.  Springs.  She  was  sojourning  at  Richmond 
on  account  of  her  mamma's  health,  and  the 
three,  Doctor,  Mrs.  and  Miss  May  were  among 
Helen's  special  friends. 

Helen  poured  out  her  giief  and  received  sym- 
pathy with  the  remark,  "We  are  from  the  North, 


HILTON   HALL.  171 

those  people  feel  bitter  toward  us.  It  is  nothing 
they  have  against  you."  After  a  cheerful  chat, 
she  left,  having  a  promise  from  Helen  to  dine 
with  them  on  the  morrow.  Helen  retired  with- 
out going  again  down  stairs.  Three  times  she 
awoke  screaming  with  fright  from  hideous  dreams, 
but  considering  them  "a  snare  and  a  delusion" 
took  no  note  of  them. 

Mrs.  Smith,  the  landlady,  had  a  cousin,  Mr. 
Tarpit,  who  was  a  frequent  visitor  at  the  house. 

The  first  evening  Helen  called  upon  Mrs. 
Gray  he  called  too,  requesting  an  introduction 
to  Mrs.  Hart,  whom  he  said  he  had  seen  at 
church  and  was  at  once  infatuated. 

Mr.  Gray  was  out  of  town.  Mrs.  Gray  found 
time  to  say,  "I  cannot  prevent  his  seeing  you 
home  it  would  be  rude  should  he  not,  but  he  is 
one  of  the  conceited  beaux  who  means  to  marry 
money.  The  day  we  were  shopping,  that  fellow 
was  in  the  store.  You  asked  for  your  goods, 
selected  them,  asked  the  price  and  handed  the 
money.  When  you  left,  he  asked  the  merchant, 
who  boards  at  the  hotel,  your  name,  saying, 
'She  must  have  the  chink,  she  did  not  jew  you 
down!'  'Yes,'  replied  the  man,  'she  is  reputed 
wealthy.'  'Then  she  is  mine,'  said  he.  His 
informer's  sole  rejoinder  was,  'Perhaps  the  lady 
may  have  something  to  say  about  it.'  'Since 
then,  he  has  importuned  me  to  introduce  you. 


172  HILTON   HALL. 

He  evidently  watches  you,  as  he  called  soon  as 
you  arrived." 

She  replied  she  would  return  home  imme- 
diately, thereby  preventing  a  tete-a-tete,  also  she 
regretted  the  rumor  of  vast  wealth,  as  it  caused 
so  much  unpleasantness,  and  people  must  imagine 
her  a  miser. 

Mrs.  Gray  replied,  "Yes,  while  you  are  neatly 
dressed  and  look  sweet  as  a  pink,  you  have  none 
of  the  accessories  of  wealth,  but  there  now!  don't 
fret  about  it,  we  shall  always  feel  interested  in 
you." 

As  expected,  Mr.  Tarpit  informed  Helen  he 
would  see  her  to  his  cousins,  where  she  had 
taken  her  abode. 

She  informed  him  she  did  not  understand 
German.  This  man  had  resided  in  Strassburg, 
and,  although  ten  years  since,  he  became  so 
familiar  with  the  language,  he  burst  into  German 
every  other  word,  and  found  it  difficult  to  recall 
the  English  word.  Returning  to  her  lodgings  in 
a  few  minutes  walk,  he  informed  her  of  his 
boundless  love,  and  asked  her  to  be  his  wife. 

She  thanked  him  for  the  honor,  but  told  him 
she  was  not  at  liberty  to  marry,  and  if  she  were, 
did  not  believe  in  haste. 

By  this  time  they  had  reached  the  door, 
hastily  bidding  him  goodnight,  she  ran  to  her  room. 
She  despised  his  conceit  and  presumption,  but 
knew  of  no  way  to  punish  him  for  his  imperti- 


HILTON   HALL.  173 

nence.  So  she  spent  the  night  in  tears  at  the 
insults  put  upon  her.  Next  morning  a  note  was 
put  under  her  door.  Tearing  open  the  envelope 
she  was  amazed  to  read. 

"Sweetest  One,  I  have  considered  the  con- 
versation of  last  evening  and  decided:  one  situated 
as  you  are,  would  mean  you  are  very  wicked,  or 
very  unfortunate.  But  I  am  one  of  the  first 
families  have,  met  with  reverses,  and  for  a  con- 
sideration, will  marry  you.  Mind  it  must  be  a 
neat  little  competence.  If  you  do  not  reply, 
shall  consider  silence  gives  consent. 

"T.    TARPIT.  " 

Helen  was  furious,  her  indignation  knew  no 
bounds.  But  knew  she  was  placed  in  circum- 
stances to  cause  remark,  and  would  gladly  escape 
from  the  troubles  in  which  she  had  plunged  her- 
self by  a  change  of  residence. 

Upon  reflection,  sJie  judged'it  best  to  reply  to 
the  note,  and  wrote. 

"Mr.  Tarpit.  Your  note  received.  My  dis- 
gust for  its  contents  and  contempt  for  the  author, 
are  beyond  expression.  I  have  a  husband,  and  am 
not  accountable  to  you  for  our  separation.  If 
you  are  as  chivalrous  as  you  claim  to  be,  your 
attentions  will  cease. 

"Very  truly, 

"MRS.  HART." 


17*4  HILTON   HALL. 

In  the  room  opposite  hers  was  a  man  and 
his  wife,  who  constantly  annoyed  her,  but  she 
resolved  to  be  perfectly  polite  and  in  no  way 
resent  their  rudeness.  She  felt  herself  as  high 
above  them  as  the  Heavens  are  higher  than  the 
earth. 

Upon  entering  the  dining  room  whom  should 
she  see  as  their  guest,  and  sitting  at  her  table, 
but  Mr.  Tarpit.  Rising  as  she  approached  the 
table,  with  a  profound  bow,  in  a  loud  voice  he 
said,  "My  dear  Mrs.  Hart!" 

Helen  not  wishing  a  scene,  bowed  her  head 
in  acknowledgment.  During  dinner  he  was  offi- 
cious, insisting  upon  her  trying  this  and  that 
dish. 

She  left  the  table  ere  she  had  finished,  but  he 
was  in  the  hall  first,  saying,  "I  am  determined  to 
fathom  the  mystery,  and  there  is  no  reason  why 
we  should  not  be  friends,"  snatching  her  hand  and 
kissing  it.  She  boxed  his  ''ears  and  fled.  She 
had  indeed  "Fallen  on  evil  days,  and  evil  tongues, 
in  darkness  and  with  dangers  compassed  round." 
She  immediately  wrote  her  husband,  telling  him 
her  trouble. 

He  answered,  "No  need  to  be  wretched  over 
that,  all  would  be  well,  when  he  should  explain, 
and  the  fellow  could  not  injure  her  if  she  be- 
haved herself." 

Mrs.  Gray  called,  and  Helen  informed  her  of 
the  matter,  but  did  not  explain  the  insults,  but 


HILTON   HALL.  175 

* 

that  he  was  persistent  in  his  attentions.  She 
replied  it  would  soon  end.  She  had,  made  in- 
quiries and  learned  he  was  already  engaged  to  be 
married  to  a  prospective  heiress. 

They  left  the  house  for  a  walk.  Ere  they  had 
gone  far,  Mrs.  Gray  exclaimed:  "My  dear,  there 
is  that  fellow  with  a  friend  of  mine;  they  are 
going  to  join  us.  If  I  had  imagined  your  new 
lodging  would  subject  you  to  such  annoyance 
I  would  never  have  introduced  you.  He  is  a 
wicked  fellow,  your  safest  way  is  just  to  be 
polite." 

The  two  men  joined  them,  walking  along  until 
they  met  others,  when  they  separated. 

That  evening  Mr.  Tarpit  called  at  the  house, 
proclaiming  their  engagement;  he-stated  "that  no 
people  of  opposite  sex,  walked  on  that  avenue, 
unless  engaged,  and  he  had  already  been  con- 
gratulated." 

Helen  was  speechless  with  amazement,  she 
tried  to  pass  him,  when  he  said,  "Hoity-toity 
Miss,  1  will  have  you  anyway!  I  am  an  O.  F. , 
have  made  inquiries  and  learn  your  husband  has 
a  maniac  wife,  and  you  are  just  as  free  as  if 
never  married.  I  will  not  give  you  up,  you  have 
money  and  I  mean  to  marry  you." 

"Marry  me  then  if  you  can,  one  should  be 
proud  of  an  alliance  with  such  a  one  as  thou  art." 

When  she  returned  to  her  room,  she  found 
her  pocket  had  been  picked,  yet  she  could  not 


\76  HILTON   HALL. 

speak  of  it,  for  all  those  rude  people  were  his 
friends.  Feeling  inexpressibly  sad,  she  went  to 
church.  One  of  the  daughters  of  the  minister 
spoke  to  her.  They  had  called  on  her  several 
times  at  the  hotel,  asking  for  contributions.  As 
she  turned  away  the  sister  said,  "You  should  not 
have  spoken  to  her,  don't  you  know  there  is  a 
mystery  about  her.  It  is  well  enough  to  ask  for 
her  contributions,  but  I  would  not  speak  to  her 
at  church,  and  I  would  walk  on  the  other  side  of 
the  street."  The  shock  given  Helen  by  those 
overheard  remarks  caused  her  to  lay  awake  all 
night,  and  she  wondered  if  those  narrow  minded 
girls  could  prejudice  her  friends  towards  her. 
Horrid  things!  They  had  no  inclination  to  love 
one  another. 

An  old  man  had  heard  their  remarks  and  said 
to  her,  "My  child,  you  don't  carry  the  deaths 
head  with  you,  so  you'll  find  in  me  a  friend." 

Finding  gossip  becoming  unbearable,  Helen 
informed  the  ladies  that  previous  to  her  coming 
to  that  house,  she  had  kept  the  very  cream  of 
refined  society.  What  her  associations  were 
there,  she  did  not  know,  nor  had  she  anyway  of 
knowing. 

"Oh!  My  dear,"  they  all  exclaimed,  "never 
heard  a  word.  It  is  amazing.  Why,  your  con- 
duct has  been  exemplary,  very  exemplary." 

She  replied,  "It  is  beastly  to  treat  me  so 
when  I  am  away  from  my  home,  and  there  is  no 


HIL10N    HALL.  177 

one    to    defend    me;     no    self    respecting    person 
would  be  guilty  of  such  meanness." 

For  a  few  days  all  was  serene,  but  I  regret  I 
cannot  report  much  progress  toward  friendship. 
They  were  accomplished  in  the  art  of  "Double 
dealing." 

The  dreary  winter  passed  and  the  pink  of  the 
peach-sprays,  the  white  of  the  almond  blossoms 
had  returned,  but  to  Helen  there  was  not  a  ray 
of  light,  it  was  a  whirlwind  of  horror  and  dark- 
ness. She  had  counted  the  weeks,  then  the  days, 
then  the  hours,  listening  for  the  echo  of  her 
husband's  footstep  that  never  came.  Then  the 
letters  ceased,  all  her  own  returned  unopened. 
Of  the  agony  occasioned  by  his  conduct,  I  will 
say  nothing.  Her  suffering,  grief  and  mortification 
were  beyond  expression,  deserted  by  friends, 
snubbed  by  strangers  who  forced  themselves  upoi 
her.  It  seemed  as  if  she  could  not  bear  it.  Then 
she  spoke  to  the  dear  old  Doctor.  He  said,  "You 
•hug  a  phantom  my  child,  your  husband  will  never 
return  for  you.  He  is  a  villain  and  a  brute." 

The  kind  old  gentleman  suggested  that  she 
should  obtain  legal  advice.  She  also  told  him  of 
her  persecution  from  Tarpit. 

One  night  after  they  left  her  at  the  door  as 
she  climbed  to  her  room,  there  came  a  stealthy 
step  back  of  her,  then  like  a  flash,  Tarpit  had 
darted  a  glance  all  around,  then  before  she  was 
aware  of  it,  he  caught  her  in  his  arms  and  kissed 


178  HILTON    HALL. 

her  cheek.  She  ran  quickly  to  her  room,  wiping 
off  his  kiss  with  her  handkerchief.  As  she  turned 
to  lock  her  door,  she  saw  the  man  in  the  oppo- 
site room  lurking  in  the  hall,  also  the  glance  ex- 
changed between  the  men.  So  the  brute  had  an 
emissary.  The  more  she  thought  of  it,  the  more 
it  puzzled,  her.  The  Doctor  said,  "In  the  future, 
he  would  see  her  to  her  own  room." 

Upon   reflection    she   decided   to   leave   Rich- 
mond, and  bade  her  kind  friends  adieu. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

MICHIGAN. 

How  beautiful  is  night? 

A  dewy  freshness  fills  the  air; 

No  mist  obscures,  nor  cloud,  nor  speck,  nor  stain 

Breaks  the  serene  of  heaven, 

In  full  orbed  glory,  yonder  moon  divine 

Rolls  through  the  dark,  blue  depths. 

Beneath  her  steady  ray 

The  desert  circle  spreads, 

lyike  the  round  ocean,  girdled  with  the  sky. 

How  beautiful  is  night! 

Southey. 

Helen  received  as  she  boarded  the  cars,  an 
earnest  invitation  to  visit  some  relatives  of  her 
mother's  family.  She  decided,  upon  learning  that 
she  would  stop  at  a  station  near  there  to  accept. 


HILTON    HALL.  179 

So  she  was  left  at  a  junction  where  after  re- 
maining some  hours,  she  was  told  the  next  train 
would  take  her  on  her  way,  but  not  there.  They 
left  her  at  a  post  out  near  quite  a  forest,  about 
two  miles  from  Novi.  Some  people  left  the 
train,  and  Helen  asked  them  if  they  could  in- 
form her  when  the  next  train  would  arrive  for  the 
Lake,  or  if  they  could  direct  her  where  to  go,  or 
where  she  could  find  a  conveyance  to  take  her  on 
her  journey  as  she  was  a  stranger  in  that  vicinity. 

They  were  all  chewing  gum,  looked  askance 
at  her.  Upon  her  repeating  the  question  they 
replied:  "Wall  they  was  mighty  sure  she  would 
not  go  with  them,  cos  they  was  full,  she  could 
walk  to  the  nearest  house  they  sposed." 

Just  then  an  old  gentleman  stepped  up  saying, 
"You  seem  to  be  in  trouble,  mum,  kin  I  do  any- 
thing for  you?" 

Helen  explained. 

"Wall  if  you  kin  ride  on  the  dirt  cars,  you 
kin  go  two  miles  with  me,  you  look  purty  well 
dressed,  maybe  you  will  sile  your  dress.  You 
see  they  are  fillin  in  the  bed  for  the  track,  and 
the  last  cars  of  gravel  today  will  pass  in  a  few 
minutes,  and  if  you  say  the  word,  I'll  put  you 
and  your  trunk  aboard,  otherwise  you  will  have  to 
walk  to  Novi  two  miles, no  stables  near  the  woods. " 

Helen  thankfully  accepted. 

They  had  a  box  car,  where  they  put  their 
shovels  and  picks.  They  assisted  her  to  climb  in 


180  HILTON   HALL. 

and  gave  her  a  tall  box  to  lean  against,  so  she 
did  very  well. 

The  old  man  took  her  to  his  home  and  treated 
her  with  the  greatest  kindness.  After  seme  re- 
freshments and  an  hour's  rest,  he  told  her  if  she 
would  deign  to  ride  in  a  lumber  wagon  he  would 
take  her  to  her  friends.  He  drove  around  the 
lake  where  the  scenery  was  a  mixture  of  the  wild 
and  beautiful,  he  entertained  her  by  pointing  out 
the  oak,  ash,  hickory,  walnut,  hazlenut  and 
sassafras  trees.  He  told  her  of  the  birds  and 
squirrels.  The  lake  was  walled  in  by  trees,  and 
through  the  blue  water  the  fish  were  plainly  to 
be  seen.  The  drive  was  pleasant  and  instructive. 

Nearing  the  house  they  passed  a  son  of  Rob 
Brown.  Helen  could  see  the  thermometer  was 
falling. 

"Reckon  you  ant  purty  well  acquainted  here?" 

"No,  was  not  aware  I  had  any  friends  here, 
until  leaving  for  New  York  City,  when  I  received 
an  invitation  to  visit  them." 

"Wall,  Rob  Brown  is  a  mighty  rich  man. 
The  person  we  passed  was  his  son.  Rob  has 
held  office  for  sixteen  years;  got  a  big  farm. 
Boys  self  supportin'  since  little  lads." 

He  fastened  his  team,  going  into  the  house 
with  Helen,  said,  "This  ere  woman  says  she  is 
connected  to  your  husband,  I  don't  endorse  her, 
but  seein'  she  was  left  alone  in  the  wilderness,  I 
brung  her  along." 


HILTON  HALL.  181 

They  asked  Helen  if  she  was  a  grandchild  of 
Mollie  Brown. 

She  replied,    "Yes." 

They  bade  her  come  in. 

Going  to  the  gate  to  give  orders  about  her 
trunks,  she  asked  the  man  his  charges,  "Wall 
one  dollar.  Say!  that  fat  woman  was  a  little  chilly 
in  meetin'  you,  especially  as  she  said  she  was  ex- 
pecting you,  little  chilly!  but  maybe  they  will  see 
you  to  the  cars,  if  not,  I  will  look  to  it  that  you 
reach  the  Junction." 

She  thanked  him  for  his  kindness  saying  she 
would  be  glad  of  his  assistance  if  necessary.  He 
left  her  muttering,  "Wall  if  that  fat  woman 
thinks  the  grandchild  of  her  sister-in-law  is  a 
fool,  she  is  a  little  ahead  of  her  reckoning,  a  little 
ahead  of  her  reckoning!" 

Helen  returned  to  the  house,  her  impression 
of  Mrs.  Brown  was  unfavorable.  She  was  tall, 
immensely  stout,  large  red  nose,  ruddy  complex- 
ion, brown  hair,  dull  gray  eyes.  She  peeped  at 
you,  never  looked  at  you.  The  corners  of  her 
mouth  were  drawn  down,  while  when  near  you 
her  ringer,  constantly  worked  as  if  desirous  of 
scratching  you.  Whenever  she  did  anything  it 
was  with  a  snatching  movement.  Mittie  was  a 
daughter  by  adoption,-  she  lost  her  mother  at 
three  years  of  age.  She  was  a  tall  slender  girl, 
regular  features,  pale  complexion,  blue  eyes,  dark 
brown  hair,  which  she  was  proud  of  dressing 


182  HILTON  HALL. 

from  the  fashion  books.  Her  dress  was  green 
with  red  trimmings,  which  did  not  look  amiss 
with  her  pale  face.  Robbie  was  six  feet,  thin,  dys- 
peptic, with  a  splendid  appetite,  a  complexion  a 
girl  might  have  envied,  blue  eyes,  brown  hair 
streaked  with  gray.  Such  a  good  man,  so  sympa- 
thetic. He  would  shed  tears  at  anybody's  mis- 
fortune, as  for  his  own  friends,  their  trials  were 
his,  their  insults  his,  and  he  was  always  hoping 
to  live  for  this  or  that  event,  but  was  always 
dying. 

They  had  a  guest,  a  dear  old  lady  who  in- 
formed Helen  she  knew  her  mother  well.  That 
when  she  was  a  very  small  child,  she  used  to 
play  with  her  little  Lucy,  and  she  would  be 
pleased  to  welcome  her  to  her  home  a  mile  east 
from  there. 

They  chatted  of  old  times  and  after  tea 
showed  Helen  to  her  room,  if  such  it  could  be 
called.  A  place  eight  by  ten  one  side,  and  six 
by  ten  the  other.  A  small  bed,  one  wooden 
chair,  and  a  strip  of  rag  carpet  composed^the 
furniture. 

Her  heart  was  heavy  with  the  pressure  of 
many  burdens.  Not  being  able  to  sleep,  as  there 
was  a  full  moon  and  a  star  lit  sky,  she  leaned 
out  of  the  window  until  midnight  gazing  over  the 
meadow,  into  quite  a  forest  beyond.  There  was 
no  person  near,  and  only  the  hoot  of  an  owl,  now 
and  then,  gave  one  a  feeling  of  sadness. 


HILTON    HALL.  183 

Five  o'clock  and  they  summoned  her  to  break- 
fast. She  dressed  hurriedly  and  went  down 
stairs,  where  these  primitive  people  introduced 
her  to  the  pump,  where  she  cooled  her  face  with 
fresh  watej-.  Mittie,  the  daughter  handing  her  a 
clean  towel  with  the  remark,  "That  maybe  city 
girls  would  not  like  to  wipe  on  the  towel  with 
the  men  folks."  For  which  Helen,  smiling, 
thanked  her,  .acknowledging  she  wouldnot. 

The  air  was  fresh,  and  in  the  east  was  a 
golden  halo.  They  asked  her  if  she  ever  saw  the 
sun  rise,  if  not,  to  "gaze  on  a  mighty  fine  sight." 

Under  an  apple  tree,  Bizone  was  busy  with 
her  churn,  while  Mittie  was  preparing  the  break- 
fast which  smelled  appetising,  a  great  tray  of 
bread,  fresh  butter,  broiled  chicken,  a  saucer  of 
whortleberries'  and  tea.  The  birds  sang  delight- 
fully, especially  the  robins  which  seemed  to  split 
their  little  throats,  in  their  efforts  to  rival  the 
other  birds. 

Helen  walked  a  few  moments  with  the  old 
man  Brown  pointing  out  things  city  girls  never 
saw. 

She  noticed  the  dew  upon  the  flowers,  lookirig 
like  jewels;  near  the  garden  fence  were  black- 
berry vines,  while  just  beyond  these  were  thistles 
and  ferns. 

When  seated  around  the  breakfast  table  the  im- 
pression she  formed  was  of  a  united  family, 
enjoying  contentedly  the  peaceful  blessings  sur- 


184  HILTON    HALL. 

rounding  their  home,  for  they  seemed  honest, 
and  the  dislike  she  felt  for  Bizone  was  for- 
gotten. 

After  the  meal,  Mr.  Brown  informed  Helen 
he  must  go  out  and  pay  some  bills,  she,  might  go 
with  him.  So  they  drove  in  a  phaeton.  She 
found  the  lakes  in  that  vicinity  numerous  and 
most  beautiful.  During  the  drive  she  gave  an 
account  of  her  history  since  leaving  home.  He 
shed  tears  and  said,  "Oh!  my  child,  you  have 
learned  how  to  suffer;  what  a  mean,  good  for 
nothing,  mercenary  old  brute  your  husband  is. 
Were  he  to  come  here,  I  would  kick  him  all  over 
my  farm." 

Soon  they  arrived  at  the  cottage,  where  she 
was  shown  about  the  premises. 

At  dinner  they  informed  her  the  next  day  was 
the  anniversary  of  the  birth  of  two  neighbors. 
All  the  family  were  invited  and  would  take  the 
liberty  of  "invitin"'  her.  "You  see  these  tew. 
neighbors  give  a  dinner  alternately  every  year, 
the  same  company  attend,  they  would  jes  shew 
her  what  a  farmers'  spread  meant." 

Next  morning  Brown  informed  Helen,  "Bi- 
zone and  me  have  talked  it  all  over,  we  can't 
advise  you  to  disobey  your  husband;  no  doubt 
time  will  explain  all  that  seems  mysterios.  You 
better  do  as  he  advises,  we  believe  he  will  do  as 
he  says.  He  must  love  you.  You  are  young, 
attractive  and  good.  You  better  remain  with  us, 


HILTON    HALL.  185 

you  would  be  much  better  off  my  child,  and  jes 
wait  patiently  until  he  comes,  as  I  know  he  will." 

She  replied,  "You  may  be  right,  but  I  put  no 
trust  in  his  friendship,  no  confidence  in  his 
promises.  I  hope  for  the  best.  Will  wait,  but  I 
am  trying  to  be  strong  in  case  the  worst  comes. 
He  says  he  will  come  some  day  and  take  me 
home,  but  some  day  is  indefinite." 

By  this  time  the  Democrat  was  at  the  door, 
all  climbed  in  and  a  delightful  drive  of  four 
miles  brought  them  to  Silver  Lake,  where  a  large 
company  had  assembled  in  the  parlor.  In.  the 
next  room  a  number  of  ladies  were  preparing  the 
dinner.  The  table  linen  was  beautifully  white. 
Two  boquets  adorned  the  table,  which  groaned 
under  the  weight  of  good  things.  All  gave  Helen 
a  warm  welcome,  then  asked  Mrs.  Brown,  "If 
the  city  company  was  stuck  up,"  in  a  whisper 
plainly  to  be  heard.  Turning  sweetly  to  Helen 
in  a  moment  after,  "Is  this  your  first  visit  to 
Michigan?" 

Soon  all  were  summoned  to  dinner,  "Menu: 
roast  turkey,  chicken,  beef,  lamb,  and  pig. 
Fricaseed  chicken,  chicken  pie,  cold  chicken  and 
tongue,  baked  and  fried  potatoes,  tomatoes, 
corn,  beans,  pumpkins  and  cabbage,  bread,  hot 
rolls,  biscuit;  all  light  as  possible.  All  kinds 
of  pickles,  a  dozen  varieties  of  pie  and  twenty 
different  kinds  of  cake.  Honey,  maple  syrup, 
peach,  plum  and  cherry  preserve,  cheese,  tea. 


186  HILTON   HALL. 

coffee  and  fruit.  I  think  the  dear  old  lady 
passed  Helen  everything  on  the  table.  At  last  she 
remarked,  "You  must  be  delicate,  you  don't  eat 
nothing  to  speak  of." 

Helen  replied,  she  had  eaten  of  turkey,  rolls 
and  honey,  which  were  extremely  fine,  and  could 
not  eat  any  more,'  although  all  looked  delicious. 

"Wall  now  jes  taste  this  cake,  you  see  all  the 
company  brought  a  cake  for  the  birthday,  and 
this  is  mine.  Do  jes  eat  a  small  piece."  which 
she  did  praising  it,  so  the  dear  old  heart  warmed 
toward  her;  she  said,  'What  do  you  think  of  my 
home?  We  come  here  when  it  was  all  swamp, 
and  timber.  We  cleared  up  the  farm  and  here 
the  young  ones  was  born.  Now  only  father  and 
me  are  at  home.  The  others  have  gone  out  into  the 
great  world,  and  those  near  enough  come  home 
for  the  birthday,  as  you  see,  and  we  look  forward 
to  this  day  with  longing,  and  we  wonder  how 
long  before  the  circle  will  be  broken,  not  by  jour- 
neys, but  by  death. " 

Helen  hoped  not  for  many  years,  and  replied 
she  thought  their  home  one  of  the  pleasantest 
and  prettiest  she  had  ever  seen. 

The  house  embowered  on  three  sides  by  the 
forest,  and  at  the  rear  that  most  beautiful  lake, 
rightly  named,  for  the  water  was  not  blue  or  steel 
gray,  as  she  had  seen,  but  like  moulten  silver. 

The  lady  said  she  had  a    son    out    West.      He 


HILTON    HALL.  1ST 

had  sent  her  some  specimens  of  mines.  "Would 
she  not  like  to  look  at  them?" 

In  a  wooden  box,  with  a  glass  door,  were 
some  superb  specimens  of  gold  and  silver  quartz. 
Said  Helen,  "Here  is  one  looks  like  it  might 
have  come  from  the  Comstock." 

"Wall  now  it  is.  My  son  is  in  Colorado,  but 
a  friend  of  his,  a  rich  man  in  San  Francisco, 
gave  him  that  and  he  sent  it  to  me;  is  it  valuable?" 

"Yes,  those  large  veins  are  native  gold;  that 
piece  is  perhaps  worth  fifty  dollars." 

"Wall,  my  boy  sent  me  some  jewelry  and  the 
watchmaker  in  Detroit  told  me  it  was  worth 
twenty  dollars.  Now  I  wonder  what  you  will  say 
it  is  worth?  I  mean  to  show  them  to  you,  they's 
agits." 

She  brought  out  the  set,  superb  specimens: 
the  broach  contained  a  fern  leaf  as  perfect  as  if 
picked  and  carefully  pressed;  one  button,  a  fern, 
broken,  the  other  an  ivy  leaf;  you  could  see  the 

delicate  veins. 

• 

"Now,  do  you  know,  they  say  you  can  pick 
these  up  by  the  bushel  in  Colorado?" 

"Yes,"  replied  Helen,  "but  these  are  as  beau- 
tiful as  I  ever  saw,  you  might  pick  up  a  bushel, 
and  not  find  another  as  fine  as  these." 

"No\v  could  these  be  sold  for  twenty  dollars?" 

"More  than  that  if  you  took  them  to  a  scien- 
tist. They  like  to  preserve  such  perfect  speci- 
mens." 


188  HILTON    HALL. 

Her  daughters  who  had  drawn  near  during 
the*  conversation  were  intelligent,  the  younger  a 
charming  lady;  the  youngest  son  a  very  prince  in 
manners,  yet  he  said  he  had  never  been  off  the 
farm,  and  had  only  such  schooling  as  the  district 
afforded.  These  three  people  spoke  pure  English. 

Helen  remarked  to  the  old  lady,  "It  seemed 
to  her  farmers  wasted  more  than  they  used,  tons 
of  apples  and  other  fruit  lay  on  the  ground,  and 
they  would  fish  for  hours,  throwing  away  the  bass 
and  trout.  Where  she  lived  trout  was  considered 
a  rare  luxury. 

"Wall  now,"  remarked  a  jolly  guest,  "How 
little*  we  realize  our  blessin's,  curus  rhat  what 
one  don't  think  nothin'  of,  another  calls  a  treat. 
Wall!  Wall!  'Green  grass  grows  on  forin  hills.' 
We  reach  out  after  the  impossible,  and  don't 
never  seem  to  realize  our  own  comforts,  and  the 
blessin's  bestowed  upon  us  promiscus  like,  till 
they  are  clean  gone  beyond  our  reach."  They  all 
listened  intently  and  sweetly  smiling,  murmured, 
"Yes,  curus!  curus!" 

The  young  people  took  Helen  rowing  upon 
the  lake,  an  unexpected  pleasure.  The  young 
man  conversed  very  intelligently  of  the  native 
animals  or  the  feathered  tribes,  also  of  the 
climate,  barley,  oats,  corn,  potatoes  which  arrive 
at  great  perfection,  and  the  wheat  crop  he 
thought  superior  to  many  States. 

The  fruit  comprised  the    apple,    peach,    plum, 


HILTON    HALL.  189 

curcant,  blackberry,  strawberry  and  all  kinds  of 
wild  berries  in  great  abundance.  In  fact*  he 
thought  "old  Michigan  could  not  be  excelled." 
Altogether  the  day  passed  pleasantly,  when 
near  sundown  the  friends  dispersed. 

The  drive  home  was  delightful.  They  watched 
the  sun  sink  beneath  the  horizon;  the  brilliant 
lines  of  the  sky  fade  into  the  gray  shades  of 
evening,  arid  the  stars  come  one  by  one. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 


For  many  months  Helen  had  been  indescriba- 
bly lonely.  But  the  morning  after  the  dinner 
she  awoke  after  a  refreshing  sleep,  into  a  sense 
of  interest  for  all  around  her.  The  people  seemed 
to  amuse  her,  and  she  was  becoming  fond  of 
them,  and  felt  that  if  she  was  to  drift  awhile, 
she  could  find  no  safer  haven  than  this  country 
home.  There  were  'neighbors  in  every  direc- 
tion, and  a  railway  fourteen  miles  off.  There 
was  one  objection,  the  post  office  was  three 
miles  away.  She  depended  upon  her  letters, 
they  were  the  link  that  bound  her  to  civilization, 
and  she  could  not  give  them  up.  During  the 
week  they  tried  to  make  everything  pleasant. 
Mrs.  Brown  from  the  first,  urged  her  to  make 


190  HILTON    HALL 

her  home  with  them,  until  she  was  certain  what 
she  nvas  to  do,  saying,  "My  two  vacant  rooms 
parlor  and  spare  bed-room,  I  shall  never  be  able 
to  furnish,  so  bring  your  traps  here  and  take 
possession.  You  may  come  and  do  as  you  like. 
We  will  take  the  best  of  care  of  your  things 
when  you  are  absent  either  visiting  or  teaching. 
Mittie  seemed  fairly  able  and  intelligent,  con- 
stant in  her  attentions,  offering  sympathy  and 
consolation,  always  ending  with,  "What  can't  be 
cured  must  be  endured.  I  cannot  bear  to  see 
you  unhappy,  beside  it  will  ruin  your  good  looks, 
remain  here  under  OUT  care  and  mamma  will  be 
so  good  to  you." 

Her  brother's  wife  said,  "It  is  a  mischievous 
affair,  we  will  do  all  we  can  to  mitigate  it,  and 
believe  it  will  end  well."  So  upon  reflection, 
Helen  judged  it  best  to  remain.  Here  she 
thought,  she  would  be  free  from  the  brutal 
attacks  of  selfish  ill-natured  people. 

One  neighbor,  Mrs.  Frances  Clive  was  a 
kind,  congenial  friend.  She  was  not  a  beauty, 
but  she  dressed  well,  she  walked  well,  talked 
well  and  was  accustomed  to  refined  society.  She 
took  a  deep  interest  in  Helen  and  everything  re- 
lating to  her,  often  inviting  her  out,  acting 
as  chaperone  in  society.  Although  they  were 
strangers,  she  always  gave  her  the  benefit  of  an 
impartial  judgment,  making  her  always  welcome 
to  her  cottage,  which  was  homelike  and  cozy  and 


HILTON    HALL.  191 

the  picture  of  neatness.  The  bed  linen  was 
fresh  and  snow-white.  The  clock  ticked  away 
on  the  mantle.  There  was  a  neatly  arranged 
writing  table,  for  her  correspondence  was  large, 
and  she  wrote  for  several  papers.  On  the 
window-sill,  stood  flower-pots  ot  roses,  forget- 
me-nots  and  fragrant  mignonette.  Through  the 
open  door  could  be  seen  the  dining-room.  When 
Helen  dined  with  her,  she  noticed  the  table 
linen  tine  and  white,  a  vase  of  flowers  stood  in 
the  centre.  The  tea  was  brewing  and  was  re- 
freshing. There  were  light  rolls,  cream,  tresh 
butter,  cold'  roast  turkey,  peaches,  honey  and 
oranges.  During  the  meal  the  conversation 
turned  upon  the  war,  Mrs.  Clive  having  a  hus- 
band killed  during  the  last  year  of  the  rebellion. 
Helen  having  been  in  the  far  West,  knew  little  of 
those  stormy  times,  only  having  heard  of  the 
great  battles  and  was  greatly  interested  to  hear  her 
talk.  She  related  the  circumstances  as  if  living 
them  again.  Then  near  sundown,  they  would  go 
for  a  drive  where  the  soft  mild  air  was  delight- 
ful with  the  breath  of  the  pines.  Helen,  who 
always  looked  on  the  bright  side,  felt  re- 
newed hope  after  the  day  spent  with  her  and 
trusted  for  the  best.  Indian  summer  had  passed 
ere  her  possessions  arrived,  as  they  came  by  slow 
freight.  The  first  amazing  sign  of  insincerity, 
was  Mrs.  Brown  refusing  to  have  her  trunks 
placed  in  the  room,  although  they  were  furnished 


192  HILTON    HALL. 

with  her  things,  saying,  "During  the  cold  weather 
the  little  room  she  had  occupied  would  be  much 
more  comfortable  as  she  had  no  stove  to  put  in 
the  rooms,  and  they  were  too  poor  to  buy  one." 
Helen  was  in  doubt  of  this,  however  she  let  it 
pass.  The  room  was  tiny,  but  she  only  slept 
there.  She  loved  to  gaze  from  the  window  on  the 
moonlit  woods  in  shadow  while  a  white  owl  per- 
ched on  the  bough  of  one  of  the  trees  near  her 
window,  at  intervals  all  night  long  gave  its 
mournful  hoot. 

Not  many  days  ere  the  snow  came  down 
silently,  quietly  for  a  time,  then  the  wind 
whistled  around  the  place  and  shook  the  frame 
house,  while  now  and  then  came  the  hoot  of  that 
owl,  it  was  a  dreary  night,  and  grew  so  bitterl)' 
cold  that  when  morning  came  she  wrote  her 
name  in  the  frost  upon  the  counterpane.  Yet 
when  she  looked  out  upon  .the  white  winter 
silence,  it  seemed  beautiful  as  a  poet's  dream. 
So  the  time  wore  on,  with  company,  drives, 
dinners,  and  when  the  weather  permitted,  church, 
they  could  often  drive  ten  miles  to  "isit  a  neigh- 
bor when  the  weather  was  too  inclement  to  go 
three  miles  to  church,  owing  to  the  wind  being 
in  the  wrong  direction. 

At  last  spring  came,  and  they  walked  to  the 
forest  where  the  wood  violets  grew  among  the 
grass  tuft§  and  underneath  the  vines.  The  maple 
trees  were  pushing  forth  their  leaves,  and  the 


HILTON    HALL.  193 

men  were  boiling  sap.  Along  the  green  roads 
the  yellow  daffodils  were  seen,  while  from  the 
casements  carnations  blossomed.  How  they  en- 
joyed those  rambles  through  the  fields! 

One  day  Helen  was  quite  weary  from  the  con- 
versation at  the  rooms,  and  as  the  chat  dropped 
into  uninteresting  channels,  she  left  the  room, 
walking  out  upon  the  lawn.  The  evening  was 
delightful,  with  a  young  moon  on  the  blue  of 
the  sky.  As  she  walked  along  she  heard  one 
of  their  guests  remark,  "That  was  the  dang- 
dest  lie  about  them  there  clouds  I  ever  hearn, 
I'll  let  her  know  I  haint  no  phule'"  Another 
sa*d,  "That  was'nt  a  patchin'  to  the  'Three  thous- 
and miles  to  California,'  she  thinks  we's  all 
igiots,  the  whole  world  haint  three  thousand 
miles."  Someone  answered,  "Wall  now,  it  was  a 
purty  big  lie,  but  then  it  seems  kinder  natural 
like  to  her,  and  it  don't  go  agin  my  stomick  as 
bad  as  it  would  if  she  was  humble,  and  them 
thair  people  out  West  are  kinder  educated  to  lie, 
we  must  low  for  that!" 

Mr.  Brown  said,  "Now  I  would  not  go  agin 
that j:reeter,  cos  she  don't  know  as  much  as  we 
do!  She  just  got  to  sorin'  among  them  clouds, 
and  located  them,  insint  spoze,  when  she  sot 
down.  I  felt  my  blood  bile.  I've  seen  ja- 
graphys,  but  I  said  'be  calm,'  and  jest  sof  still." 
Another 'remarked,  "She  was  the  _&wr  3Hrndest 
liar  he  had  met,  since  the  ysar  one!'^  Tnen  Mrs. 


194  HILTON   HALL. 

Brown,  "Thot's  what  smaller,  just  what  smaller, 
Mrs.  Brown  is  with  you  every  time!" 

Helen  was  amazed,  yet  a  litlle  disgusled  wilh 
their  hypocrisy. 

A  few  days  after  this  an  uncle,  on  the  Doty 
side,  came  to  see  her.  She  found  him  a  noble 
gentleman,  and  it  was  a  delight  to  listen  to  him. 
The  sighl  of  his  sisler's  grandchild,  revived  a 
host  of  memories.  He  talked  of  years  ago,  the 
many  plans  and  feelings  of  their  youlh.  Smiling 
complacently  he  remarked,  "All  have  turned 
to  dust."  She  told  him  of  her  trials  from  con- 
stant association  with  coarse  minded  and  unre- 
fined people,  that  it  was  torture  to  her. 

He  could  understand  and  said,  "The  truest 
aristocracy,  is  that  of  nature.  The  noble  by 
nature  surpass  the  noble  by  birth.  She  must 
cultivate  forbearance,  it  was  the  secret  of  happi- 
ness, not  to  have  wide  open  eyes  for  other 
people's  faults,  but  to  have- a  generous,  noble 
friendship  for  them,  in  spite  of  their  faults." 

Early  in  the  winter  the  Browns  had  implored 
Helen  to  advance  to  them  her  year's  board,  say- 
ing they  were  in  financial  straits,  notes  secured 
by  a  mortgage  on  their  home,  were  due.  and 
must  be  paid.  They  wept  when  they  talked  of 
it  After  much  urging  she  advanced  the  money. 
Soon  after  this  she  discovered  the  trunk  with  her 
papers  had  been  disturbed,  and  the  receipt  for 
the  money,  with  other  things,  was  missing;  she 


HILTON    HALL.  195 

also  noticed  constant  whispering  whenever  she 
was  about.  Then  an  event  took  place  which 
proved  Mittie  a  Judas;  still  she  said  nothing, 
but  determined  to  be  a  little  watchful.  At  this 
time  a  telegram  came,  summoning  her  West. 
She  notified  them  she  would  be  absent  perhaps 
several  weeks,  when  the  Browns  informed  her 
they  would  be  glad  if  she  never  returned.  "I 
am  going,"  said  she  drawing  herself  up  and  look- 
ing at  them  scornfully,  "and  if  my  presence  in 
this  house  is  obnoxious  and  unwelcome,  you  have 
only  to  return  me  the  money  I  have  advanced, 
and  will  take  care  to  keep  away  from  you  and 
yours.  She  left  the  house.  But  some  years 
later,  upon  a  plea  from  Mrs.  Brown,  "That  now 
the  husband  was  dead  she  would  return  the 
money,"  Helen  was  again  snared  into  the  trap 
those  dishonest  people  set  for  her. 


196  HILTON    HALL. 


CHAPTER    XXVIII. 


5HLT  LRKE  CITY. 

For  not  the  ceaseless  change  of  shifted  place, 
Can  from  the  heart  a  settled  grief  erase; 
Nor  can  the  purer  balm  of  foreign  air, 
Heal  the  distempered  mind  of  aching  care, 

Lord  Littleton. 

Nearly  three  years  have  passed  since  Mr. 
Hilton  hurriedly  embraced  Helen,  and  bade  her 
farewell  at  Richmond.  There  had  not  been  a 
word  of  explanation.  Only  a  letter  now  and 
then,  with,  "Wait  until  I  can  explain." 

She  was  still  traveling  an  unknown  path, 
towards  a  goal  she  could  not  see.  She  had  no 
more  power  to  influence  her  fate  than  she  had 
to  stay  a  day  in  its  flight,  but  she  was  making 
an  effort  to  maintain  herself. 

One  dear  old  lady  trying  to  comfort  her  re- 
marked, "We  are  all  drifting  we  know  not 
whither,  towards,  we  know  not  what,  but  I  am 
older  than  you  .are,  and  have  learned  to  bear 
patiently  the  changes  and  sorrows  that  fall  to  my 
lot,  knowing  that  God  in  His  infinitemercy,  will 
bring  me  to  a  safe  haven.  Now,  do  not  dwell 
upon  your  trouble,  trust  in  divine  providence, 


HILTON    HALL.  197 

enjoy  the  present,  'Sufficient  for  today  is  the  evil 
thereof!'" 

A  lady  friend  who  was  practical,  and  very  in- 
fluential, wished  Helen  to  remain  with  them,  say- 
ing, "To  go  into  poverty  and  teaching  meant 
being  thrown  into  coarse  company.  Stay  with 
us,  and  if  your  marriage  to  Mr.  Hilton  prove 
illegal,  and  we  find  he  has  deserted  you,  we  will 
marry  you  to  one  of  our  rich  friends,  and  they 
need  know  nothing  of  your  past,  our  recommen- 
dation will  be  sufficient." 

She  replied,  "If  I  could  marry  the  finest  man 
in  America,  I  would  not,  if  knowing  my  history 
he  would  hesitate." 

"Goose,  don't  be  sentimental;  to  marry  at 
once  is  the  only  sure  way  out  of  your  trouble." 

After  a  few  days  the  husband  came  to  Helen, 
saying,  "Don't  tell  wife,  but  I  like  you  better  for 
not  complying  with  her  wishes,  it  would  not 
have  been  just  fair,  still  had  you  acceded,  I 
would  have  stood  by  you  like  a  brother.  Now 
we  are  your  staunch  friends,  under  all  circum- 
stances come  to  us.  You  are  a  Pearl  of " 

"Oh,  my  soul!"  exclaimed  she. 

"Are  you  ill?  Come  home  to  wife  and  spend 
the  day.  As  I  was  saying,  you  are  one  among 
thousands,  'A  pearl  of  great  price."1 

In  the  meantime,  Mr.  Otis  sent  for  Helen, 
telling  her  he  must  die,  the  doctor  had  told  him 
there  would  be  no  warning  when  the  time  came; 


198  HILTON   HALL. 

he  had  had  violent  spasms  of  the  heart.  Said 
he,  "Donnallen  Hilton  and  I  are  of  an  age,  old 
friends.  In  '56  he  had  amassed  a  fortune  that 
had  enabled  him  to  do  a  splendid  business,  and 
put  in  the  bank  a  nest  egg  of  $50,000  regarded 
at  that  time  as  immense.  The  family  had  lost 
Ed,  the  elder  brother,  who  had  gone  to  New 
York,  grown  rich,  and  became  almost  a  stranger 
to  his  old  home.  They  determined  to  keep  Don- 
nallen and  his  money  with  them.  So  his  father 
and  uncle  determined  he  should  marry  his 
•cousin  Lucy.  This  he  absolutely  refused  to  do. 
Then  they  tried  force,  as  she  had  kept  the  letter 
•where  he  had  half  promised  to  marry  her,  if  she 
would  give  up  her  lover,  a  trap  set  for  him  by 
the  two  fathers.  But  he  at  once  offered  her  the 
half  of  his  fortune.  Then  the  two  families,  his 
and  Lucy's,  entered  into  a  contract  that  if  he 
would  marry  her,  she  would  remain  on  the  farm, 
and  he  should  have  his  freedom,  and  if  he  should 
ever  love  a  girl  he  could  live  with  her.  That 
she  would  not  oppose  him.  So  they  were  mar- 
ried, and  he  immediately  left  home.  Wife  wished 
to  tell  you  this  after  you  haunted  her,  but  I 
would  not  permit  her  to  do  so.  Now  you  are 
separated  1  don't  care.  When  you  wrote  asking 
about  the  family,  they  dared  not  tell  you,  but 
Lucy's  brother  came  to  New  York  and  watched 
you.  They  stole  Donnallen's  letters  to  you,  and 
from  their  purport  judged  he  loved  you.  You 


HILTON    HALL.  199 

were  young  and  healthy,  they  feared  you  might 
have  children  that  would  inherit  all  the  wealth, 
and  they  hated  you.  The  whole  family,  if  they 
could  have  seen  you  would  have  stoned  you  to 
death,  for  they  never  dreamed  he  would  ever 
marry  a -girl  he  liked.  They  intended  he  should 
purchase  her.  Nevertheless,  Lucy  kept  her  word, 
and  never  leaves  the  farm,  only  to  go  to  Boston 
or  New  York  City  for  a  few  days  shopping." 

Helen  said,  "They  are  a  most  virtuous  family, 
judging  them  by  your  statement." 

"Well,  they  have  been  immoral  from  way 
back." 

He  told  Helen  Mrs.  Otis  had  become  a 
Christian.  She  left  them,  with  just  "Gocd  day." 
Mrs.  Otis  said  with  tears  in  her  eyes,  "Don't  lay 
it  up  against  me,  you  are  the  true  wife  of  Don- 
nallen  Hilton." 

Not  long  after  this  event,  Helen  received 
another  telegram  from  her  friends  at  Salt  Lake 
City;  it  read: 

"Come  home  at  once,  your  mother  will  meet 
you  at  Omaha." 

Evening  found  her  on  the  way.  There  had 
been  some  delay  in  delivering  the  dispatch. 
She  knew  her  friends  would  be  waiting  and 
anxious  about  her. 

Upon  her  arrival  at  Omaha,  they  left  at  once 
for  Utah. 

On  the  train,  and  in  the  same  car  with  themr 


200      •  HILTON   HALL. 

was  a  merchant,  who  for  years  had  been  in  busi- 
ness with  Mr.  Hilton.  He  spoke  to  them  and 
asked  if  Donnallen  would  soon  come  West? 

Helen  explained  that  she  knew  nothing  of 
him.  He  was  astonished,  and  said,  "He  had 
been  at  New  York  City  for  several  weeks.  He 
met  with  a  serious  accident,  required  the  con- 
stant care  of  a  surgeon,  and  was  in  Doctor  — — *s 
private  hospital. 

"While  there  Mr.  Hilton  came  with  his  wife, 
who  was  a  maniac.  He  had  kept  her  at  home  as 
long  as  he  could.  1  talked  with  Mr.  Hilton, 
also  saw  the  lady*whom  he  called  Kate.  Not  the 
slightest  expression  moved  the  marble-like  face, 
her  snowy  hands  sh*e  folded,  while  her  large  dark 
eyes  were  wild  and  vacant.  She  was  not  violent, 
very  submissive  and  patient.  Mr  Hilton  said 
she  had  been  so  for  many  years. 

"After  he  left  I  talked  with  the  physician, 
and  he  told  me  her  case  was  hopeless,  she  had 
come  there  to  die." 

Said  he,  "1  never  blamed  Mr.  Hilton  for 
marrying  you,  many  men  would  have  done  the 
same,  one  cannot  live  with  a  maniac,  and 
strangers  had  no  business  to  meddle." 

She  replied,  "She  soon  learned  there  was 
something  radically  wrong,  but  had  no  way  of 
finding  out  what.  Of  the  event  which  cut  short 
her  married  life,  all  the  shame,  agony  and  morti- 
fication cast  upon  her  shoulders  seemed  to  release 


HILTON   HALL.  201 

her  for  a  time  from  all  associations  of  her  former 
life,   and  whenever  a  rumor    reached  her  that  he 
was  married,  Donnallen  protested  he  was  not  th 
man. 

"You  prove  to  me  he  is  an  infamous  villain. 
For  1  heard  of  that  woman  you  mention,  and 
'twas  said  she  disappeared  more  than  ten  years 
ago.  No  one  knows,  nor  ever  will,  how  long 
after  he  left  her  near  Salem,  Oregon,  ere  her 
brain  turned.  He  used  to  invite  me  often  to  go 
out  on  the  bay,  telling  me  at  what  hour  to  meet 
him.  I  was  prompt,  but  he  had  gone,  telling  me 
after  he  returned  that  I  came  too  late.  One 
time,  I  determined  to  go  hours  ahead  of  time,  in 
fact  to  take  the  first  boat  and  keep  out  of  sight. 
He  was  on  the  boat,  and  ere  it  landed,  a  great 
burly  man  approached  him  stealthily.  Don- 
nallen did  not  look  at  him,  but  stood  near,  chew- 
ing his  mustache  on  one  side,  while  he  talked 
from  the  other  corner  of  his  mouth.  The  man's 
lips  just  moved.  Donnallen  then  gave  him  a 
large  roll  of  money,  slipping  it  quietly  into  his 
hat,  and  moved  off  with  the  crowd.  I  watched 
the  man  long,  then  he  disappeared,  and  I  was 
not  detective  enough  to  solve  the  mystery.  Now 
I  believe  he  was  Kate  Sterling's  keeper. 

"Have  been  told  he  married  his  cousin  Lucy. 

As  I  compare    notes,    their   lives   and    mine,    the 

keenness  and  cunning  with  which  he  preys  upon 

his  victims,  then  outwits  justice  or  rather  runs  to 

8 


202  HILTON   HALL. 

escape  justice,  I  believe  he  is  a  fiend  in  human 
form.  There  is  nothing  to  him  but  selfishness; 
he  will  sacrifice  anyone  for  an  hour's  pleasure." 
Said  he,  "You  amaze  me,  I  never  knew  of  any 
other  wife  than  the  maniac.  I  would  consult  a 
lawyer  if  what  you  tell  me  is  true,  for  you  can 
hope  for  no  generosity  from  him." 

They  arrived  home  safe  and  well.  Helen 
found  many  kind,  sympathizing  friends,  and 
"Well,  who  has  not  found  a  Judas." 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 


BONONCINI. 

Some  say,  compar'd  to  Bononcini, 
That  Mynheer  Handel's  but  a  ninny; 
Others  aver  that  he  to  Handel, 
Is  scarcely  fit  to  hold  a  candle. 
Strange  this  difference  should  be 
Twixt  Tweedledum  and  Tweedledee. 

/.  Byrom. 

Helen  consulted  an  eminent  lawyer.  He 
thought  it  was  the  most  infamous,  inhuman  and 
brutal  case  he  ever  knew.  He  made  inquiries  and 
learned  she  was  reliable,  then  advised  with  his 
law  partner,  who  proved  to  be  an  old  school 
riend  of  Mr.  Hilton's,  and  was  born  in  the  same 
town.  He  thought,  as  they  were  so  severe  with 
the  Mormons,  they  could  not  regard  the  case 


HILTON   HALL.  203 

lightly,  they  would  be  constrained  to  be  severe. 
She  has  no  money  to  fight  the  case,  her  wisest 
plan  will  be  to  settle. 

"Tell  her  he  shall  go  into  his  pocket  deep,  if 
she  will  settle."  *~ 

Helen  answered,  "No,  she  had  only  asked  for 
justice." 

She  was  introduced  to  another  lawyer  keen 
and  independent,  who  questioned  her  carefully, 
then  with  biting  sarcasm,  informed  her  she  was 
wrong.  She  was  much  confused,  until  she  dis- 
covered he  was  counting  two  days  to  the  Sacra- 
mento River,  while  in  reality  it  was  eight  days. 
She  showed  him  Mr.  Hilton's  picture. 

There  was  nobility,  he  could  read  a  character 
from  the  contour  of  the  face:  "he  would  fight, 
yes,  face  the  jury  like  a  man,  full  frank  eye^ 
nose  clear  cut  and  thin." 

Reader,  remember  Helen's  was  retousse,  or 
just  a  little  inclined  heavenward,  as  one  of  her 
uncles  used  to  say. 

Said  he,  "Mrs.  Hilton,  I  will  proceed  in  the 
regular  form  and  notify  him  you  propose  to  bring 
suit. " 

"No,  no!"  said  Helen,  "he  will  not  fight  ex- 
cept when  he  has  the  advantage,  or  when  he  is 
driven  into  a  corner." 

For  proof  of  her  statement  she  referred  him 
to  some  prominent  men.  However,  he  did  as  he 
thought  best.  The  honorable  gentleman  ignored 


204  HILTON   HALL. 

the  lawyer,  and  sailed  from  Boston  for  the  conti- 
nent of  Europe,  not  returning  to  America  for  five 
years. 

A  few  weeks  later,  Jim  Le  Grand,  arrived  at 
Salt  Lake  City,  and  called  at  the  home  of  Helen, 
saying,  "You  will  have  to  leave  New  York  City 
and  its  inmates  behind,  and  come  with  me  to 
Russia,  where  a  certain  old  man  has  gone  to 
peddle  axel-grease,  while  he  has  left  his  adorable 
heart  smasher  to  her  own  devices,"  after  which 
he  burst  into  suppressed  laughter.  Continuing, 
"He  authorized  me  to  say,  your  case  was  hope- 
less. He  took  your  trunk  at  Panama,  and  de- 
stroyed its  contents  with  his  own  hands,  marriage 
certificate,  all  letters  from  home,  and  everything 
that  would  criminate  him,  or  proof  of  evidence  in 
your  favor.  But  there  were  certain  letters  in 
your  possession,  some  five  or  six,  he  was  aware 
of,  that  if  you  would  give  up  to  him,  he  would 
give  you  $5,000,  if  you  refuse,  you  may  starve, 
for  he  consulted  his  able  advisors,  who  told  him 
to  remain  away  five  years,  and  you  could  not 
touch  him  as  the  marriage  would  be  outlawed. 
Give  the  letters  at  once  into  my  hand,  and  I'll 
give  you  the  $5,000,  or  take  the  consequences." 

"Do  you  mean  to  threaten  me?"  cried  Helen, 
her  eyes  flashing  with  anger. 

"1  mean  you  shall  understand.  He  will  do 
with  you  as  he  has  with  many  a  woman  before 
you. " 


HILTON   HALL.  205 

"You  say  that,  when  for  years  you  spoke  of 
him  as  the  soul  of  honor?" 

"Well,"  said  he,  "I  am  not  squeamish  about 
such  things,  was  not  aware  he  was  a  married 
man,  but  knew  he  was  immoral,  but  never  ima- 
gined he  would  prefer  those  polluted  creatures, 
to  a  young,  pretty  stainless  girl.  Have  known 
other  men  as  wild  as  he,  reform  after  marriage." 

"Why  do  you  not  say  as  much  to  the  world?" 

"It  is  not  expedient,  he  is  influential.  I 
cannot  offend  him,  were  he  dead  I  would  help 
you  get  your  thirds. 

"You  don't  want  to  return  to  your  old  home 
and  work.  Your  people  have  met  with  reverses. 
Better  take  the  money,  he  no  longer  loves  you. 
He  said  you  were  the  sweetest  girl  he  ever 
saw,  but  now  the  racket  was  over,  his  passions 
satiated,  he  did  not  think  the  whistle  was " 

Rising  to  her  feet  said  she,  "There  is  the 
door,  just  beyond  is  the  gate,  lose  not  a  moment 
in  reaching  it." 

He  left. 

Helen  now  employed  a  detective,  telling  him 
to  go  East,  and  cover  every  inch  of  the  ground, 
and  not  hesitate  to  tell  her  all.  He  need  not  spare 
her  sensibilities.  He  returned  with  the  informa- 
tion that  the  desertion  had  been  intentional, 
determined  upon  years  before  it  occurred.  Mr. 
Hilton  had  said,  "He  was  a  fool  to  give  her  his 
whole  heart  when  he  intended  a  separation  sooner 


206  .        HILTON   HALL. 

or  later,  but  it  was  useless  to  make  her  unhappy 
by  explaining  to  her  that  it  would  come.  She 
was  the  best  and  kindest  girl  that  ever  lived,  and 
when  the  time  came  for  him  to  leave  her,  he 
realized  there  were  people  that  would  shoot  him 
at  sight,  so  he  decided  upon  the  tour  South, 
bade  her  farewell,  and  allowed  the  world  to 
judge  her,  knowing  her  youth  and  pretty  face 
would  fill  gossips  with  a  consuming  jealousy; 
and  being  a  stranger,  it  would  be  long  ere  she 
would  know  of  it,  a  sufficient  time  to  ruin  her 
reputation.  He  said,  "My  arrrangements  usually 
have  been  so  quietly  made,  that  no  obstacle  has 
occurred,"  but  he  anticipated  trouble  here,  say- 
ing, "If  that  girl  appeared  on  Broadway  with 
only  an  Indian  blanket  for  covering,  he  would 
warrant  her  to  come  out  of  the  slough  and  find 
warm  friends  among  the  best  people.  She  has 
never  in  her  life  been  associated  with  immorality, 
while  Mrs.  Grundy  may  snub,  be  sure  she  will 
rise  above  it.  You  can't  keep  that  family  down, 
it  is  not  in  the  blood.  Look  at  the  friends  she 
made  South?" 

"He  dropped  you  as  he  did,  hoping  that  rumor 
would  announce  that  he  had  cause,  and  finish  the 
work  he  commenced. 

"Should  he  remain  absent  five  years  and  neither 
communicate  with,  nor  support  you,  then  he  is 
free  by  law. 

Helen  now   secured    a   large   class    in    music, 


HILTON  HALL.  207 

and  devoted  all  her  time  to  work,  as  she  had 
some  debts  to  pa\.  There  was  plenty  of  "Mrs. 
Grundy, "  but  she  was  ngt  eager  to  convince  them 
of  her  innocence.  She  had  many  friends  who 
never  gave  an  entertainment,  that  she  was  not 
one  of  the  first  to  be  invited.  But  she  never 
accepted,  she  did  not  like  one  sided  friendships, 
and  worked  too  hard  for  her  money  to  spend  it 
in  fine  clothes  and  parties. 

She  had  a  class  of  lovely  "girls,  and  many 
married  ladies;  they  were  most  considerate, 
always  sending  her  word  if  they  could  not  take  a 
lesson,  also  inviting  her  to  places  of  amusement, 
and  socially  calling  on  her,  so  they  became  warm 
friends. 

Two  years  passed,  and  Helen  received  a  news- 
paper mailed  at  Brighton,  England:  it  was  Don- 
nallen's  handwriting;  opening  it,  there  was  a 
story  marked,  "The  marriage  of  a  young  girl,  to 
a  rich  old  man,  their  journey  by  stage-coach  to 
San  Francisco." 

She  judged  he  had  it  written,  for  in  every 
particular  it  was  their  marriage. 

Two  more  years  passed,  she  had  constantly 
taught  all  day  and  into  the  evening,  walking 
home  when  the  moon  had  risen  in  radiant  splen- 
dor flooding  the  valley  with  smiling  light,  or 
when  on  a  clear  night  the  heavens  were  glitter- 
ing with  stars.  Who  could  gaze  continually 
upon  such  beauty  and  not  find  it  restful.  Spring 


HILTON   HALL. 

of  1877  had  come,  four  years  and  a  half  since 
Donnallen  sailed  away,  and  never  a  word,  when 
one  day  there  came  a  lejtter  from  him,  with  a 
check  for  fifty  dollars. 

She  took  it  to  a  lawyer.  He  said,  'You  are 
his  wife  for  another  five  years." 

June  came,  she  was  very  tired  of  teaching, 
and  determined  to  take  a  few  months  rest  in 
California;  it  was  ten  years  since  she  left  there, 
she  had  ceased  to  correspond  with  any  of  her 
friends. 

San  Francisco  had  become  such  a  large  city, 
for  several  days  she  had  to  enquire  her  way,  but 
she  found  all  her  special  friends.  So  soon  as 
she  found  one,  the  others  came  to  see  her; 
although  a  teacher,  none  alluded  to  it,  but  made 
her  just  as  welcome  as  if  she  had  vast  wealth. 
She  visited  her  old  teachers,  and  the  school  girls, 
all-  of  whom  had  homes  of  their  own.  In 
January  1878,  she  began  to  teach  there,  deciding 
for  the  present  nat  to  return  to  Utah. 


HILTON    HALL.  209 


CHAPTER  XXX. 


In  gentle  love  the  sweetest  joys  we  find: 
Yet  even  those  joys  dire  jealousy  molests, 
And  blackens  each  fair  image  in  our  breasts. 

Lord  Littleton. 

One  day  in  March,  having  some  business  that 
required  attention  in  San  Francisco,  Helen 
hurried  to  the  railway  station.  As  she  stepped 
upon  the  platform  to  go  aboard  the  train,  a 
sudden  impulse  made  her  run  back  the  length  of 
four  cars  and  enter  the  door  at  her  left. 

The  first  person  she  saw,  was  Donnallen  Hil- 
ton, chatting  with  Mr.  Smith,  a  partner  in  his 
line  of  "Sound  Steamers,"  and  two  young  men, 
strangers  to  her. 

She  took  a  seat  near    the    centre    of    the    car 

» 

while  they  sat  near  the  door. 

Hilton  looked  at  her  for  a  few  moments, 
earnestly,  with  mouth  wide  open.  As  the  train 
neared  the  wharf,  he  arose  and  advanced  towards 
her  with  his  face  just  beaming. 

He  exclaimed,  "Thank  God,  Oh  my  darling! 
I  have  looked  at  you  every  moment  since  you 
entered  the  car,  for  there  was  something  in  your 
manner  that  reminded  me  of  my  Helen,  although 


210  HILTON   HALL. 

there  is  not  a  look  left  of   the  bright  faced  blue 
eyed  girl. 

"Do  you  know  the  sunlight  never  appeared 
so  bright,  and  everything  seemed  changed  to  me 
since  that  day,  while  no  night  has  passed  that 
you  have  not  stood  looking  at  me,  as  you  looked 
that  morning  at  Richmond,  eight  years  ago. 
The  event  has  no  doubt  long  since  faded  from 
public  mind,  but  what  a  weight  it  has  been 
to  me." 

He  excused  himself  to  the  men,  one  whom  he 
called  March  Ketchem.  Then  he  invited  her  to 
his  rooms  at  the  Palace  Hotel. 

He  clasped  her  to  his  heart  in  an  embrace 
like  death,  while  tears  rolled  down  his  cheeks. 
"I  cannot  help  them  but  they  are  tears  of  joy. 
Thank  God!  for  the  delay  this  morning,  for  it 
has  returned  my  wife  to  me.  Ocean,  seas  and 
desert  shall  not  again  separate  us.  There  is  nothing 
to  prevent  our  happiness,  if  there  ever  was!  But 
there  was  not.  They  lied  to  you  Helen,  you  are 
the  only  wife  I  ever  had,  and  I  am  your  own 
lawful  husband. 

"I  should  not  have  left  you  as  I  did.  It  was 
wrong,  for  you  were  very  young.  I  should  have 
explained,  I  should  not  have  allowed  you  to  go 
out  into  the  world  alone  and  penniless,  but  you 
will  forgive  me?  I  have  bitterly  regretted  my 
conduct." 


HILTON    HALL.  211 

He  had  a  careworn  haunted  look,  for  which 
Helen  had  a  sincere  sympathy. 

She  told  him  she  had  heard  from  him  direct 
but  once  in  five  years. 

He  answered,  "I  know  you  are  all  I  ever  ima- 
gined you  to  be,  and  that  you  have  been  good 
and  true  all  these  weary  years. 

"You  are  the  only  person  on  earth  I  ever 
loved  but  my  mother.  I  have  seen  prettier 
women,  but  you  to  me  are  lovely  as  an  angel. 
Never  has  any  other  woman  inspired  such  feelings; 
your  frankness  and  purity  won  my  heart.  The 
first  glimpse  of  you  made  me  your  slave,  observa- 
tion taught  me  you  were  good  and  pure,  while 
your  reputation  was  the  best.  I  registered  a  vow 
to  make  you  my  wife,  and  looked  well  to  it  that 
no  one  should  get  ahead  of  me.  All  these  years 
you  have  been  to  me  the  dearest  person  on  earth. 
Yet  my  conduct  I  cannot  explain. 

"Great  God!  You  don't  know  all  I  have 
passed  through,  my  pillow  has  been  thorns, 
thorns.  And  many  a  time,  I  would  have  given  all 
my  fortune  just  for  a  chat  with  you." 

"Indeed!"  replied  she,  "I  thought  quite  the 
contrary.  That  woman  came  to  see  me  and  in- 
sulted me  cruelly;  saying  if  it  had  not  been  for 
me,  you  would  have  married  her,  as  you  had 
shown  her  every  attention.  And  Jim  Le  Grand 
told  me  the  most  infamous  things." 

"I    never    knew    it,    or    should    have    silenced 


212  HILTON   HALL. 

them.  We  will  forget  them  all,  and  live  the  rest 
of  our  days  in  peace,  for  you  have  suffered,  too." 
"Yes,"  replied  she,  "people  have  treated  me 
with  a  roughness  not  possible  to  describe,  they 
blamed  me  for  everything;  they  seemed  to  expect 
of  me  that  I  should  upon  the  occasion  of  a  slight 
hint,  completely  change  the  order  of  things,  as 
if  the  whole  matter  rested  with  me." 

He  censured  himself  severely,  telling  her  to 
forget  the  past,  "You  will  return  home  with  me, 
dear?  I  shall  explain  to  our  friends  all  that 
seems  strange,  and  the  remainder  of  our  days 
shall  be  full  of  rest  and  peace. 

"Now  if  there  is  any  request  you  have  to 
make,  name  it,  and  I  will  grant  it." 

"Tell  me  truly,  was  our  marriage  real,  or  a 
sham?" 

"It  was  genuine  and  bound  us  until  death. 
It  would  be  held  legal  in  any  state  of  the 
Union." 

"Then  take  me  where  we  were  married." 

"Do  you  know,  darling,  in  all  these  years  of 
sin  and  remorse,  those  months  in  our  sweet  little 
cottage  home,  are  the  only  green  spot  in  my 
memory? 

"Since  we  have  been  separated  my  days  were 
mostly  crowded  with  business,  and  there  was 
little  time  for  reflection,  but  at  night  you  would 
haunt  me.  Sometimes  when  unable  to  sleep, 
would  step  out  in  the  clear  moonlight  to  have 


HILTON   HALL.  213 

•  — 

the  memory  of  the  wedding    fill  me    with  regret. 
It  is  the  heaviest  sin  on  my  soul,  my  sin    to  you. 

"Do  you  know?  There  are  acquaintances  of 
mine,  men,  who  have  never  taken  me  by  the 
hand  since  that  day.  I  have  had  business  with 
them  year  in  and  out,  but  it  is  alwa,  'Mr.  Hil- 
ton, I  will  see  you  at  my  office.'  I  would  ex- 
change all  my  other  friends,  for  a  friendly  grasp 
of  the  hand  from  those  men.  I  like  integrity. 

"Now  Helen,  you  know  Edward  is  dead. 
You  remember  a  lengthy  discussion  we  had  at 
our  home,  after  which  followed  a  compromise? 

"Well  dear,  I  did  not  consider  you  a  friend, 
that  you  opposed  me,  but  have  learned  that  >  ou 
and  my  brother  were  my  only  friends.  I  carried 
out  all  my  plans.  Edward's  failing  health  helped 
me  nicely.  You  know  they  led  me  into  the  mal- 
strom,  then  turned  on  me  like  tigers,  and  bled 
me  until  I  gained  nothing  by  the  miserable  trans- 
action. 

"Will  listen  to  you  in  the  future,  have  learned 
by  gall  and  wormwood  you  are  my  truest  friend; 
and  inexperienced  as  you  were,  you  read  their 
character  and  designs,  better  than  1  did. 

"Marriage  should  have  the  truest  kind  of 
friendship.  You  were  a  helpmeet  for  a  lifetime, 
making  our  home  happy.  We  will  have  ii  all 
over  again  and  make  our  tastes,  aims  and  sym- 
pathies kindred.  We  shall  be  the  best  comrades. 


214  HILTON  HALL. 

I  shall  try  to  recompense  you  for  the  past,  and 
you  will  help  me  out  of  this  slough?" 

"Shall  we  go  now  and  advertise  our  marriage?" 

Helen  thought  if  she  aided  him,  it  would  be 
best  for  the  present  not  to  allow  "those  men," 
to  know  she  was  against  them.  She  could  assist 
him  best,  if  they  were  not  aware  of  it. 

Then  said  he,  "We  will  go  to  dinner."  Just 
then  Helen  looked  up  and  there  looking  through 
the  transom  was  "March  Ketchem." 

Donnallen  turned  is  white  as  if  chiseled  in 
marble,  and  there  were  great  drops  of  perspira- 
tion on  his  brow. 

"Never  mind,  dear!"  said  Helen,  "It  is  a  con- 
temptible little  wretch  who  will  follow  people 
and  listen." 

"But  if  he  should  repeat  to  our  enemies  the 
conversation?" 

"Defy  them,  they  are  guilty  with  you." 

After  dinner  they  took  the  train  for  San  Jose. 
Going  to  a  large  hotel  Donnallen  said  it  was  the 
same,  and  the  same  room,  where  they  had  accom- 
modations in  1865,  but  had  changed  name  and 
proprietor,  and  been  much  enlarged. 

She  went  along  the  street  to  the  Parsonage, 
but  it  was  all  a  business  street,  and  the  convent 
was  not  to  be  found,  as  it  was  then.  Everything 
was  changed,  excepting  the  flowers. 

They  heard,  every  few  moments,  a  giggle  back 
of  them,  Donnallen  said  they  were  being  followed 


HILTON  HALL.  215 

by  a  son  of  [im  Le  Grand,  he  saw  Jim  leave  the 
train,  but  had  not  noticed  him  before,  imme- 
diately after  he  spoke  to  his  son,  who  came 
aboard  the  train  and  had  followed  them  all  the 
way. 

Helen  asked  her  husband  if  he  sent  her  the 
paper  from  Brighton,  England,  and  if  he  had  the 
story  written? 

He  replied  he  read  the  story,  marked  and  sent 
to  her,  as  it  was  a  true  story  of  their  marriage, 
he  imagined  she  had  written  it  for  his  benefit. 

The  story  was  probably  written  by  a  mutual 
friend,  a  newspaper  correspondent  who  was  a 
sojourner  in  London  at  that  time. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 


BINGCN  ON  THE  RHINE. 

I  hold  it  truth,  with  him  who  sings 
To  one  clear  harp,  in  divers  tones, 
That  men  may  rise  on  stepping  stones 
Of  their  dead  selves  to  higher  things. 

Tennyson. 

Helen  informed  her  friends  of  the  accidental 
meeting  with  her  husband,  and  of  his  request 
that  she  should  return  with  him  to  his  home. 

All  said  they  could  not  advise,  but  would  fear 
to  trust  a  dog  that  had  bitten  them;  if  she 


216  HILTON   HALL. 

decided  to  return  with  him,  they  wished  her 
every  happiness,  that  he  was  surely  old  enough 
to  behave  himself. 

She  answered  that  his  leaving  her  had  left  a 
stain  upon  her  reputation,  that  would  cling  to 
her,  unless  he  acknowledged  her  to  the  world, 
which  he  now  seemed  anxious  to  do.  He  had 
vast  wealth,  she  was  not  growing  younger  and  was 
tired  of  hard  work,  and  had  promised  to  become 
reconciled  to  him  and  his  friends  if  possible,  if 
not,  they  two  would  spend  the  remainder  of  their 
days  together.  His  friends  had  been  her  enemies 
secretly  long  ere  her  marriage.  For  her  sake,  he 
proposed  to  ask  them  to  receive  her,  if  they  did 
not,  he  would  live  without  them. 

His  nephews  and  nieces,  children  of  his 
sister,  objected  to  her  childhood  friends  and  sur- 
roundings, which  she  would  not  relinquish  for 
them,  it  was  late  to  cry 'out  about  one's  family  so 
many  years  after  the  ceremony.  The  truth  of  the 
matter  was,  "money:"  it  nearly  killed  his  rela- 
tives if  she  had  a  square  meal  at  his  expense. 
Tney  all  counted  just  how  much  that  would 
amount  to  if  banked  and  if  she  were  out  of  the 
way  it  might  be.  All  their  fuss  about  her 
surroundings  reminded  her  of  an  old  negress  who 
was  the  property  of  Brigham  Young,  President 
of  the  Mormon  Church.  He  did  not  believe  in 
slavery,  and  gave  her  and  her  husband  freedom. 
When  her  children  played  with  a  youth  whom 


HILTON    HALL.  217 

she  did  not  like,  she  would  say,  "Come  in  hea' 
chillen  yer  moals  il  be  ruined,  wen  yer  wuz  born 
on  de  topmos'  bough  ob  de  tree  ob  knolige,  how 
can  yer  play  wid  common  trash." 

Helen  told  Donnallen  to  go  home  and  consult 
his  friends,  and  on  his  next  visit  she  would 
return  with  him.  He  was  to  quietly  undo  the 
wrongs  he  had  committed,  break  away  Irom  his 
evil  associates  and  begin  life  anew. 

He  said  he  wished  first  to  settle  upon  her  a 
wife's  dower,  so  she  would  not  have  to  drudge 
any  longer  for  a  living. 

Should  anything  happen  to  him,  she  would 
find  enemies.  Edward  left  Mary's  children  a 
large  fortune,  and  Tom  the  eldest  was  very  exact- 
ing, putting  him  to  great  expense  and  trouble; 
that  was  the  misfortune  of  being  in  partnership. 
But  he  was  selling  the  "Sound  Steamers,"  and 
so  soon  as  the  transaction  was  closed,  he  should 
make  ample  provision  for  her  future. 

He  left  on  the  morning  train,  giving  her  forty 
dollars,  and  said  he  would  send  that  sum  monthly 
until  he  returned.  A  small  sum,  when  you  re- 
member he  paid  taxes  on  "twenty  million." 

Some  time  passed  and  then  Helen  received  a 
letter,  on  the  envelope  was  written,  "If  not 
delivered,  return  to  Skinner,"  opening  she  read: 

"NEW  YORK  CITY. 
"DEAR  HELEN. — I  can't,  I  can't,"  no  signature. 


218  HILTON  HALL. 

Which  being  translated  meant,"  I  have  made 
the  offer  proposed.  That  is  to  break  from  my 
associates,  and  they  have  bound  me  in  chains." 

She  resolved  to  stand  by  him  now,  come  weal 
or  woe,  but  knew  she  must  "bide  her  time." 

Soon  after  this  he  came  for  her,  they  returned 
to  New  York  City  together,  but  did  not  keep 
house,  that  was  postponed  until  his  business 
should  be  settled.  He  informed  her  that  his 
friends  did  not  wish  to  know  her,  said,  "Let  them 
go  Helen,  they  are  "hogs."  A  pet  phrase  of  his, 
and  Edward's.  "All  they  have  on  earth  they  owe 
to  me,  I  hate  them  all.  But  mother,  but  for  her 
memory  have  not  a  relative  for  whom  I  have  the 
slightest  affection.  We  can  live  without  them." 

There  was  no  more  false  names,  it  was  Mr. 
Hilton  and  wife,  or  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hilton,  for 
she  looked  at  the  register  when  they  traveled. 

He  seemed  contented,  but  still  wore  that 
haunted  look;  when  she  asked  him  why,  he  said 
he  was  troubled,  as  he  had  cheated  one  old  man 
who  deposited  with  him,  out  of  one  hundred 
thousand  dollars,  and  that  the  poor  old  fellow 
trusted  him  so,  had  such  implicit  confidence  in 
him. 

Said  she,    "Return  the  money  and  be  at  rest." 

"Well,  if  I  do  so,  there  will  be  little  left  for 
you." 

While  he  was  so   troubled  and  seemed  to  be 


HILTON    HALL.  219 

fair  and  honorable  she  did  not  ask  him  for 
money,  nor  was  she  at  all  lavish,  but  was  very 
economical. 

Donnallen  urged  her  to  visit  with  him,  the 
old  places  they  used  to  be  familiar  with,  and 
note  the  wonderful  improvements.  Something 
marvelous  happened,  he  gave  her  a  Christmas 
present.  A  bar  pin  with  forget-me-nots  in 
turquoise  and  pearl,  and  upon  the  anniversary  of 
her  birth,  a  tiny  diamond  ring  and  earrings,  the 
three  costing  perhaps  seventy  dollai^. 

Life  was  uneventful  and  amicable  until  one 
day  in  August,  1881.  Before  leaving  for  his 
office,  he  came  to  Helen,  looked  at  her  long, 
then  stooped  and  kissed  her  forehead  several 
times,  turned  to  the  window,  gazed  upon  the 
passing  throng,  then  said: 

"Helen,  I  cannot  give  you  money,  the 
children,"  meaning  Mary's,  "will  not  permit  it, 
but  I  have  cut  off  some  'coupons,'  from  some 
bonds  of  mine,  which  no  one  else  has  a  right  to, 
and  shall  give  them  to  you.  'They  are  for  your 
board  and  washing  for  a  term  of  years,  they  are 
due  quarterly,  and  you  may  put  them  away  for  a 
rainy  day;  of  course  I  shall  pay  all  your  expenses. 

"Now  as  I  have  to  account  for  everything, 
will  you  give  me  a  receipt  for  them?" 

"Let  me  read  the  receipt,"  after  which  she 
said,  "if  it  is  important,  yes.  Hand  me  the  ink." 


220  HILTON   HALL. 

"No  hurry,  next  week,  or  month  will  do,  now 
farewell  until  dinner." 

Several  days  after  this,  he  asked  Helen  to  go 
with  him  to  the  Equitable  Building  on  Broad- 
way, he  wished  her  to  go  to  the  top  and  see  the 
splendid  view.  After  this  he  went  into  the 
"Safety  Deposit  Building,"  where  he  said  he 
had  a  large  vault,  and  he  would  hand  her  the 
"Coupons,"  which  he  had  cut  off  the  bonds  the 
week  before.  He  gave  the  pass  word,  which  was 
the  one  he  had  told  her  to  use  in  case  of  his 
death. 

Handing  her  the  coupons,  and  telling  her  to 
put  them  in  a  safe  place,  as  they  could  be  burned 
or  lost.  She  said,  "Where  is  the  receipt  you 
wished  me  to  sign?" 

"No  consequence,  at  any  time." 

He  showed  her  all  over  the  building  explain- 
ing the  vaults,  and  all  about  depositing  there; 
then  a  man  spoke  to  him,  and  he  answered,  "yes;" 
turning  to  Helen  he  said,  "Come  with  me  to 
that  tall  building  opposite,  have  some  business 
there."  Going  into  the  elevator  upon  the  second 
floor,  a  man  entered  saying,  "Hello  Donnallen! 
This  is  an  unexpected  pleasure,  come  with  us, 
let  us  have  some  fun,  just  arrived  from  New 
Hampshire  this  morning." 

By  this  time  they  had  reached  the  sixth  story, 
Donnallen  said,_  "Helen,  dear,  I  must  take  the 
fellow  to  lunch,  so  will  not  return  until  dinner. 


HILTON    HALL.  221 

By  the  way,  I  guess  you  may  as  well  sign  the 
receipt.  Step  into  this  office,  I  know  the  man, 
and  can  borrow  pen  and  ink;  he  held  the  receipt 
she  had  read  in  his  hand,  but  put  it  into  his 
pocket  again.  He  said  to  a  red-haired  man,  who 
came  forward,  "She  would  like  to  sign  a  receipt." 

The  man  said  to  her,  "Have  you  read  it, 
madam?" 

"Yes,"  said  Mr.  Hilton.  Helen  signed  with- 
out again  looking  at  the  receipt  and  handed  it  to 
her  husband. 

He  handed  it  to  the  lawyer  who  had  it  wit- 
nessed, sealed  with  red  tape  and  wax,  and  re- 
turned to  Donnallen. 

"What  does  all  this  mean?  Let  me  look  at 
the  paper?"  asked  Helen. 

The  red-headed  man  replied,  "Simply  a  re- 
ceipt, but  the  business  way  of  doing  such 
things." 

Helen  returned  to  the  hotel,  and  fell  to  specu- 
lating as  to  what  all  that  maneavering  could 
mean;  it  was  something  she  could  not  account 
for,  but  there  was  method  in  it  all,  and  the  face 
of  the  man  who  first  spoke  to  Mr.  Hilton  seemed 
familiar  and  filled  her  mind  with  thoughts  of 
those  outlaws  she  used  to  see  with  Donnallen, 
and  a  few  moments  reflection  convinced  her  she 
was  right. 

While  the  man  who  addressed  him  in  the 
elevator,  she  finally  remembered  was  a  man  she 


222  HILTON   HALL 

had  seen  at  her  husband's  bank,  in  the  sixties. 
She  grew  weary  of  speculating,  without  being 
able  to  come  to  any  conclusion,  and  took  up  a 
book,  in  a  few  moments  was  deeply  interested, 
and  read  on  until  Donnallen  returned  for  dinner. 

Soon  after  this  Mr.  Hilton  informed  Helen 
business  called  him  to  Boston,  he  should  be 
absent  three  days;  they  would  go  to  Lord  and 
Taylors,  where  she  was  having  a  black  silk  dress 
made,  he  would  pay  the  bill  before  leaving  on 
the  evening  train. 

Returning,  he  asked  Helen  to  read  the  news- 
paper aloud  until  dinner,  which  she  did. 

When  time  to  leave  the  house,  he  took  her  in 
his  arms  and  kissed  her  lips,  brow  and  cheeks, 
went  towards  the  door,  returned,  gazed  at  her 
sometime,  tenderly  kissed  her,  returned  the  third 
time  saying,  "Whatever  happens,  remember  dar- 
ling that  I  always  loved  you,"  and  was  gone. 

Time  passed  and  he  did  not  return.  She  did 
not  know  where  to  address  him,  but  called  at  his 
office,  when  the  man  informed  her  he  had  sailed 
for  Europe. 

She  had  visited  some  very  distant  connections 
at  North  Greece,  New  York.  She  had  been 
taught  the  Rochester  people  were  a  little  better 
than  most  Eastern  people,  and  she  had  taken  a 
resolution  that  no  power  could  alter,  that  she 
would  never  return  West,  until  everything  was 


HILTON   HALL.  223 

explained,  or  she  was  divorced.  So  concluded 
this  would  be  a  nice  place  to  remain. 

She  returned  to  Greece,  and  engaged  board 
with  the  family,  the  wife  being  most  kind  and 
sympathetic.  Her  mother,  who  was  a  very  nice 
gentlewoman,  was  also  kind.  Their  rooms  were 
on  the  same  floor,  and  the  doors  were  open 
between.  She  had  recently  lost  her  husband  and 
was  glad  to  have  Helen  so  near  her. 

Mrs.  Bank  urged  Helen  to  go  out  as  much 
as  possible,  and  always  took  her  to  drive,  telling 
her  not  to  grieve  over  the  trouble,  and  hope  for 
the  best. 

Some  months  passed,  and  one  day  she  re- 
ceived a  letter  mailed  at  New  York  City.  Open- 
ing it,  she  found  written  upon  a  Western  Union 
Telegraph  blank  this  message: 

"  Helen,  have  been  tendered  the  position  of 
Governor.  If  you  will  permit  me  to  say  you 

were  my ,  I  will  make  you  rich,  and  you 

may  travel  and  have  every  wish  gratified.  So 
many  know  the  past,  1  dare  not  accept  without 
your  consent.  All  I  ask  is  that  you  remain 
silent,  no  matter  what  I  say.  Don't  want  the 
office  for  the  salary,  but  the  honor.  Answer  old 
address."  No  signature. 

She  wrote,  "If  you  have  grown  weary  of  me, 
and  forsaken  me,  say  so  publicly,  divorce  me, 
and  I'll  never  trouble  you.  When  you  married 
me,  there  was  hot  a  blemish  on  my  reputation. 


224  HILTON    HALL. 

Will  not  sell  my  good  name.  Your  wife  until 
divorced." 

Now  was  seen  the  character  of  Mr.  Bank, 
who  thought  her  a  fool  not  to  take  the  money. 

Mr.  Hilton  replied  upon  a  scrap  of  paper, 
written  with  lead  pencil,  "Better  have  granted 
my  request. " 

She  now  consulted  lawyers,  until  she  thought 
them  all  blockheads,  and  resolved  to  wait  until 
she  could  be  introduced  to  an  experienced  one. 

Meanwhile,  she  saw  by  a  paper  that  Mr.  Hil- 
ton had  gone  to  Europe.  She  was  in  deep  dis- 
tress and  mortification  but  could  only  wait. 

Mrs.  Bank  advised  her  to  travel  and  intro- 
duced her  to  some  friends  who  were  going  to 
Europe  for  a  three  months  "Tour,"  sailing  in 
May  '82.  Helen  had  some  money  coming  to  her 
from  home,  and  decided  to  join  them. 

In  February  she  met  an  old  friend,  who  in- 
formed her  that  a  rumor  had  reached  him  that 
Mr.  Hilton  was  soon  to  marry  a  woman  in  New 
Hampshire,  he  could  not  tell  the  particulars. 

Helen  procured  a  Concord  director)'.  From 
it  learned  the  address  of  prominent  people. 
Writing  them,  "That  she  was  the  wife  of  Don- 
nallen  Hilton.  That  he  left  her  with  the  inten- 
tion of  returning  in  three  days.  Rumor  had 
reached  her  that  he  was  soon  to  be  married. 
She  "Forbade  the  banns,"  and  respectfully  re- 
quested that  the  ministers  and  prominent  men 


HILTON   HALL.  225 

would  carefully  investigate  her  statement  ere 
they  allowed  the  ceremony  to  take  place.  Among 
those  people,  was  the  Eastleigh  family. 

She  received  only  one  reply,  that  was  that 
Mr.  Hilton  was  in  Europe. 

May  30th  came,  and  she  sailed  away  to  Eng- 
land. Upon  the  ocean,  she  was  more  dead  than 
alive,  but  upon  reaching  the  other  shore  she 
enjoyed  herself  well  as  she  was  capable  of  doing. 

She  looked  at  the  registers,  found  Mr.  Hil- 
ton had  been  there  and  the  Eastleigh  woman  was 
with  him,  but  they  had  gone  ere  she  arrived. 

At  Cologne  the  party  embarked  on  the  Rhine 
steamer  "Kaiser  Wilhelm."  The  day  was  perfect, 
no  decription  can  do  justice  to  the  beauty  of  the 
river,  that  winds  in  and  out  between  mountains 
terraced  almost  to  the  top  with  vineyards  and 
capped  with  castles  or  ruins.  The  scenery  is 
most  magnificent,  the  legends  bewitching.  The 
season  was  at  its  height,  so  the  steamers,  cities, 
streets  and  places  of  resort,  were  crowded  with 
gay  travelers.  It  was  cool  and  delightful  sailing 
on  the  river.  As  their  boat  neared  "Fair  Bingen," 
a  steamer  was  passing.  A  gentleman  of  the  party 
was  saying  to  Helen,  "Bingen  forms  the  frontier 
between  Hesse  and  Prussia.  The  scenery  here 
is  most  beautiful,  there  is  a  Ferry  across  the 
river,  it  was  the  junction  of .  Helen  in- 
voluntarily took  his  glass  from  his  hand,  and 
leveled  them  upon  a  man  who  stood  alone  on  the 


226  HILTON   HALL. 

boat  viewing  the  moving  panorama.  She  was 
sure  it  was  DonnalJen,  and  the  glass  brought 
him  so  near,  she  could  see  the  expression  of  his 
face. 

Said  the  gentleman,   "A  friend  of  yours?" 

"My  husband." 

"Ah,  a  romance!" 

Again,  in  Paris,  when  walking  through  the 
Champs  Elysees,  she  saw  him  looking  with 
admiration  upon  the  splendid  buildings,  clean 
streets,  and  magnificent  Arch.  She  advanced 
toward  him.  He  moved  rapidly  away,  as  he 
turned  to  enter  a  building  he  saw  .her. 

Her  carriage  passed  him    once  again.      When 
at  night  the  sights  of   the    beautiful   city    illumi 
nated  are  indeed  wonderful.      She  could  not  learn 
where  he  was  stopping. 

She  returned  to  America,  taught  school  in 
New  Jersey,  was  called  to  Salt  Lake  City  on 
business,  returned  to  New  York  State,  but  did 
not  board  with  the  Banks,  as  their  daughter  had 
been  married  and  lived  at  home.  They  wrote 
her  recommending  her  to  board  with  the  Robbs 
at  North  Parma. 


HILTON    HALL.  227 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 


NORTH 

But  who  can  paint  like  nature! 

Can  imagination  boast, 

Amid  its  gay  creation,  hues  like  hers? 

Thompson. 

It  was  midday  in  January,  1886.  The  sun 
shone  clear  and  bright,  when  Helen  reached  the 
pretty  little  village  of  North  Parma,  with  its  four 
church  spires,  towering  above  the  housetops. 
There  came  to  the  station  to  meet  her,  Jack  and 
Harry  Robb.  The  latter  had  volunteered  to 
bring  her,  with  her  baggage  to  the  farm. 

So  entering  the  large  sleigh,  they  drove 
through  the  village,  and  entered  a  long  lane, 
such  as  are  peculiar  to  York  State. 

On  each  side  ot  the  road,  some  distance 
apart,  were  the  farm  houses,  with  flower  beds 
and  kitchen  gardens  near  them,  and  broad 
patches  of  pasture  land,  while  back  of  each  lay 
masses  of  'fSS&if^vinding  in  and  out  from  which 
was  a  clear  stream  of  water,  whose  banks  were 
glistening  with  ice,  the  snow  was  beautifully 
white  in  contrast  to  the  city  snow  covered  with 
dust  and  cinders.  Some  of  the  homes  were  very 


228  HILTON    HALL. 

pretty  with  their  hedges  and  rows  of  trees  shad- 
ing the  entrance  to  the  door.  Driving  two  miles 
they  turned  on  to  another  road  which  could  be 
seen  straight  ahead  for  miles,  with  the  larm 
houses  on  each  side,  and  the  old  school  houses 
at  intervals.  The  fields  of  stubble  were  covered 
with  ice,  and  in  the  sunlight  sparkled  like  jewels, 
and  was  beautiful  as  if  touched  by  a  fairy's 
wand.  In  every  direction  was  a  beautiful,  peace- 
ful picture.  A  half  mile  of  this  and  they  arrived 
at  the  Robb  cottage,  very  old,  but  new  to  the 
present  occupants.  Arriving  at  the  door  Helen 
asked  Mr.  Harry  Robb,  the  amount  of  his  bill 
for  herself  and  trunk.  He  replied,  "Nothing*  He 
considered  it  a  Christian  duty  to  be  neighborly, 
and  as  she  was  to  be  an  inmate  of  his  brother's 
home  he  should  make  no  charges  anyway." 

She  replied,  that  she  was  willing  to  pay.  She 
believed  in  reciprocity,  but  one  boarding  could 
not  well  exchange  civilities. 

He  said,  "It  is  all  right, "  then  extending  an  in- 
vitation for  all  to  dine  with  them  on  the  morrow, 
he  left. 

The  family  with  whom  Helen  was  to  sojourn 
indefinitely  was  small.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Robb,  and 
an  adopted  girl,  from  the  lowest  ranks  in  life,  and 
too  gross  to  be  mentioned  here.  Mrs.  Robb,  on 
her  father's  side  was  distantly  related  to  Helen. 
Mr.  Robb  had  the  reputation  of  a  man  of  integ- 
rity. After  tea,  there  was  heard  a  rapid  step  on 


HILTON   HALL.  229 

the  frozen  ground,  a  knock  and  as  Mr.  Robb 
bade  him  come  in,  Mr.  True  said  "Good 
evening,"  in  a  clear  good  humored  voice  ask- 
ing if  the}-  had  any  commission,  as  he  was 
going  to  the  village  presently.  Turning  to  Helen, 
"How  does  our  country  impress  you?" 

"As  pleasant  and  novel,  my  life  has  been 
passed  in  cities,  and  among  rugged  mountains,  so 
these  rural  scenes  are  quite  new." 

Then  in  a  tone  of  courtesy,  he  named  the 
members  of  his  family  and  gave  her  a  brief 
sketch  of  his  antecedents  said  his  wife  would 
soon  call  and  welcome  her  to  the  neighborhood. 
Helen  returned  the  courtesy  with  equal  frankness 
upon  which  they  discovered  they  had  mutual 
friends. 

The  next  evening  they  attended  a  concert. 
The  first  Sunday  they  attended  the  Baptist 
Church.  Helen  found  the  minister  eloquent  and 
said  she  would  prefer  to  attend  there,  but  would 
go  where  they  went  so  as  not  to  be  a  trouble  to 
them;  "but  understand  I  shall  neither  change  my 
politics  nor  my  creed." 

She  now  entered  upon  a  very  uneventful  life, 
but  found  in  the  True  family  warm  friends  and 
among  some  of  the  neighbors  very  pleasant 
acquaintances. 


230  HILTON   HALL. 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 


GOING  TO  NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 

Now  he  in  fact  was  rich?    Nor  could  he  move, 
But  he  was  followed  by  the  looks  of  love;  follow'd, 
All  he  had  suffer'd  every  former  grief, 
Made  those  around  most  studious  in  relief; 
•  He  saw  a  cheerful  smile  in  every  face, 

And  lost  all  thoughts  of  error  and  disgrace. 

Crabbc. 

Helen  was  sitting  out  near  the  cherry  tree  in 
which  the  birds  sang,  hopped  and  twittered 
merrily.  When  Hagar  came  hurriedly  toward 
her,  saying,  "Listen  to  this: 

"Hon.  Donnallen  Hilton  will  arrive  tomorrow 

at having  been  absent  in  Egypt  three  years." 

Go  Helen,  at  once  to  the  town,  and  see  who  he 
is,  who  knows  but  he  may  be  your  runaway 
husband?  I  would  make  any  sacrifice,  were  I 
you,  to  know  for  certain!  You  will  have  time  to 
reach  Rochester  in  time  for  the  fast  express." 

Without  a  moment's  delay,  Helen  made  ready 
for  the  journey,  catching  the  evening  train. 
Early  morning,  they  changed  cars  for  Concord, 
New  Hampshire.  She  found  among  the  pas- 
sengers, many  of  Hilton's  old  friends.  As  they 
seemed  to  hide  their  faces  in  their  newspaper, 


HILTON    HALL.  231 

only  peeping  at  her,  when  they  fancied  she  was 
not  looking,  judged  she  was  going  to  her 
husband. 

Arriving    at    Concord    she    made    inquiries    in. 
regard  to  this  man,  and    was    amazed    to   find    no 
one    knew    him;    at   last    meeting   a   fine   looking 
young  man,    she  asked  him   if  he  knew  aught  of 
Mr.   Hilton. 

He  replied,  "Never  heard  of  him  until 
recently,"  but  he  handed  her  a  little  paper  from 
which  she  read.  "This  little  town  was  nothing 
until  Hon.  Ponnallen  Hilton  redeemed  the 
neighboring  plain,  into  city  lots  and  gave  it  a 
name,  adorned  two  public  squares,  in  fact  devot- 
ing his  life  to  acts  of  charity.  He  is  the  Great 
Railroad  King,  his  life  reads  like  a  romance. 
Going  to  the  West  Indies  as  a  boy,  amassing  a 
fortune,  after  which  he  now  repaired  to  the  East, 
returning  on  board  the  bark  Donnallen  Hilton, 
which  he  had  himself  equipped,  he  set  sail  for 
home,  laden  with  a  collection  of  princely  presents 
which  he  claimed  he  obtained  in  the  Oriental 
countries  through  which  he  had  traveled;  owing 
to  his  generous  gifts,  and  vast  wealth,  he  now 
became  one  of  the  most  prominent  men  of  his 
state.  All  that  was  needed,  was  his  signature, 
and  low!  His  President  was  placed  in  the  chair 
during  the  eventful  period  of  a  presidential 
canvass.  He  did  good  service  to  his  town,  by 
preventing  a  Repubican  P.  M.  taking  office,  and 


232  HILTON   HALL. 

placed  instead  a  man  of  his  party.  At  this 
time  his  popularity  was  immense,  he  was  the 
particular  idol  of  the  boys,  who  beheld  in  him  a 
bulwark  between  the  two  parties.  They  tendered 
his  name  for  Governor,  not  for  the  salary,  but 
for  the  honor.  Curiously  enough  he  received 
but  one  vote,  thereby  showing  the  indifference 
and  ingratitude  of  the  people.  He,  however, 
lived  in  princely  magnificence,  etc.  He  has 
adorned  the  squares  with  fountains  and  statues. 
There  is  no  place,  with  the  exception  of  New 
York,  contains  so  many  interesting  remains  of 
antiquity.  Among  others  are  the  "monuments," 
which  he  has  erected,  also  an  old  church  in  the 
primitive  style,  remarkable  for  its  sounding  board 
and  antiquity,  removed  to  the  Fair  Grounds." 

Arriving  at  the  town  she  could  read  no  further. 
Asking  the  way  to  the  hotel,  she  turned  a  corner, 
and  there  it  was  in  view,  and  a  little  beauty.  Enter- 
ing the  parlor,  sheasked  the  Proprietor  if  she  could 
have  ink  and  paper  and  a  messenger  boy  to 
deliver  her  note.  He  soon  returned  with  the 
remark,  he  would  send  the  bell  boy  in  a  moment. 

She    wrote,      "Mr.     Hilton,     I     desire    a    few 
moments  conversation  with  you,  as  you  seem  much 
engaged,  will  detain  you  only  a  few  moments. 
Your  wife, 

HELEN   HILTON." 

Addressing    it,    handed    it   to   the    Proprietor, 


HILTON   HALL.  233 

who  returned  soon,    saying    it   would    be   half   an 
hour  ere  Mr.   Hilton  would  arrive. 

Helen  went  out.  She  found  it  a  small  town, 
with  several  churches.  The  private  houses  were 
tor  the  most  part  very  small  but  well  built,  some 
pretty  and  cosy,  some  beautiful  and  home-like. 
Upon  a  hill  overlooking  the  town  was  a  residence 
large  as  a  hotel.  Asking  a  passer-by  to  whom  it 
belonged,  bowing  to  the  earth,  he  replied,  "Hon. 
Donnallen  Hilton." 

The  fountains  played,  the  fishes  swam  happily 
in  the  marble  ponds.  There  were  grottoes  full  of 
ferns,  with  a  fountain  playing  in  the  center,  and 
there  were  walks,  with  ivy  hedges,  from  which 
graceful  venuses  and  appollos  peeped  out.  The 
grounds  sloped  on  all  sides  down  to  the  river.  It 
was  not  quaint  or  old-fashioned  at  all,  everything 
was  modern.  There  was  a  town  hall  and  a  picture 
gallery,  but  one  could  not  say  much  for  the  beauty 
of  the  Hiltons  if  their  portraits  speak  truly. 

All  the  while  Helen  was  wondering  if  this 
was  the  man  who  had  robbed  her  of  name  and 
title.  There  was  no  longer  doubt  of  it.  There 
he  was  driving  towaid  the  hotel.  She  had  a 
splendid  view  of  him.  Returning  to  the  hotel, 
there  entered  a  loud-voicsd  brute  of  a  man  whom 
the  proprietor  introduced  as  Mr.  Eastleigh. 
Turning  to  her,  he  said,  "Old  woman,  Hon.  D. 
Hilcon  has  deputed  me  to  interview  you.  He  is 
too  busy." 
9 


234  HILTON   HALL. 

"My  business  is  not  with  you,  sir,  but  with 
Donnallen  Hilton,  my  husband.  He  married  me 
in  1865,  and  I  have  never  been  divorced." 

"Nevertheless  he  has  sent  his  message  by  me." 

"Then,"  replied  she,  "I  will  call  the  proprie- 
tor, he  will  be  a  witness." 

Taking  from  her  pocket  a  letter  to  the  Masonic 
Lodge  grand-master,  she  handed  it  to  him,  with 
the  remark  if  he  could  not  remain  in  the  parlor 
while  the  man  was  present,  to  please  send  a  mes- 
senger with  that  letter,  providing  the  person  was 
in  town.  He  replied  respectfully  that  however 
busy,  he  would  remain  with  her.  The  following 
extract  from  a  dialogue  between  Mrs.  Hilton  and 
Eastleigh  will  convey  some  idea  of  the  charac- 
ter of  the  man. 

.  Returning  to  the  parlor,  Eastleigh  said,  "My 
daughter  married  Donnallen  Hilton;  I  am  his 
father-in-law,"  with  a  bow  reaching  to  the  floor. 

Helen  replied:  "Donnallen  Hilton  married 
me.  I  have  never  been  divorced.  He  left  me 
one  day  saying  he  would  be  absent  three  days. 
The  next  I  knew  a  rumor  reached*  me  he  was  go- 
ing to  marry.  I  wrote  you,  your  ministers  and 
Hilton,  forbidding  the  banns;  and  you  shall  not 
put  me  down  as  a  bad  woman.  If  he  prefers 
your  daughter,  let  him  publicly  declare  it." 

He  swore  frightfully,  then  said,  "Who  cares? 
My  darter  has  got  him.  You  squawk  till  you 
choke,  and  see  how  much  good  it  will  do  you. 


HILTON    HALL.  235 

Mv  darter  has  the  old  man  under  her  thumb,  yes, 
her  t-h-u-m-b,"  was  his  refrain,  at  the  end  of 
each  oath.  "I  am  his  father-in-law!  My  darter  has 
got  him,  she  has  got  him!  Why,  they  dine  today, 
three  governors  and  ten  judges.  My  darter  mar- 
ried him,  and  I  told  him  to  fix  the  old  woman  so 
she  could  not  squeal,  and  if  he  ain't  done  it,  he 
has  deceived  his  father-in  law!  Anyway,  she  got 

him  under  her  thumb,  and  you  d old  woman, 

when  do  you  intend  to  leave  this  town?  I'll  call 
in  the  boys  and  drag  you  to  the  police  court." 

"Take  me  there  soon  as  you  like.  I  came  for 
justice.  Tell  your  story  and  I'll  tell  mine;  and 
be  sure  if-  there  are  any  men  in  New  Hampshire 
who  respect  their  wives  and  daughters,  they  are  in 
honor  bound  to  stand  by  me." 

"Hon.  Hilton  won't!  Not  while  his  pa  lives! 
not  while  his  pa  lives!  We  have  him  where  if 
he  squirms  it  will  be  a  hot  day  for  him,"  with 
oaths.  "Now,  old  woman,  I  understand  your 
daughter  is  about  my  age.  That  is  what  the 
people  here  tell  me.  Well,  you  old  woman, 
leave  this  town,  or  I'll  call  in  the  boys  to  kill 
you.  If  our  boys  killed  you,  Hon.  Hilton  stands 
so  high  there  ain't  no  law  in  New  Hampshire  to 
touch  him  nohow." 

"You  cannot  know  me,"  replied  Helen.  "Here 
are  three  letters  to  the  lodges,  and  they  will  pro- 
tect me.  Those  same  governors  would  not  dare 
refuse,  even  as  Hilton's  guests.  All  the  years 


236  HILTON   HALL. 

Judge    Doty  lived,    no    mason    ever    appealed    to 
him  in  vain,   and    there    is    scarcely    a    lodge    in 


America  not  obligfreKto  him,  and  they  are  bound 
to  be  civil  to  me,  his  grandchild." 

"I  defy  all  of  them.  My  son-in  law  don't  be- 
long to  one  of  them,  so  they  can't  be  much."  • 

"Nevertheless,"  replied  she,  "I  will  hand 
one  of  these  to  my  husband's  guests,  and  you  may 
find  whoever  practices  deceit  is  apt  to  find  it 
reflect  to  their  own  discomfort  and  mortification. 
However  deeply  they  sympathize  with  your 
daughter,  they  are  under  obligations  to  me.  I 
married  him  in  good  faith,  with  no  idea  he  was 
a  knave." 

He  interrupted  her  with,  "Three  governors 
and  ten  judges  to  dine  today." 

"This  is  the  first  time  your  city  ever  saw  a 
governor?" 

"No,  but  the  first  visit." 

"Oh,  then  it  will  take  time  to  recover." 

"Now,  old  woman,  it  you  don't  leave,  we — the 
boys — will  tear  you  limb  from  limb." 

"You  would  no  doubt  like  to,"  she  replied, 
"but  I  have  friends  in  New  Hampshire,  and 
know  the  people  are  not  totally  depraved,  although 
today  they  may  be  dazzled.  Your  daughter  has 
magnificent  houses,  carpets  of  velvet  pile,  hot- 
house flowers,  fine  horses,  luxurious  carriages; 
she  has  plenty  of  well-paid  servants;  she  does 
nothing  for  herself;  she  enjoys  choice  wines, 


HILTON   HALL.  237 

costly  dishes,  elegant  dresses,  plenty  of  society, 
who  applaud  her  for  her  money,  and  she  knows 
it,  you  know  it.  You  know  it  is  the  best  thing 
on  earth.  Honor,  love,  integrity,  fame  cannot 
compare  with  money,  while  I,  his  wife  drudge 
constantly  for  the  clothes  I  wear  'and  shelter. 
Few  know  how  plainly  and  poorly  I  fare,  teach- 
ing many  weary  hours,  and  stitching  until  late  at 
night  to  keep  my  wardrobe  respectable.  '•' 

"Y-e-s,"  Said  he,  "and  another  thing  we'll 
bring  against  you,  you  were  raised  among  the 
Mormons;  that  will  bring  you  enemies,"  with 
language  too  foul  to  be  expressed. 

"You  go  to  Utah,"  she  replied,  "to  be 
shocked;  you  people,  when  your  men  leave  their 
wives  in  the  lurch,  elope  with  the  new  love,  and 
the  law  does  not  punish  them,  nor  is  public 
opinion  severe  for  people  who  act  in  that  fashion, 
but  laughingly  says  the  end  justifies  the  means, 
bah,  you  hypocrites!" 

"Now,  old  woman,  y-o-u  jes  leave  here  at 
once,"  threateningly. 

Helen  was  as  immovable  as  a  rock,  until  the 
proprietor  of  the  hotel  remarked,  "As  well  bay 
at  the  moon  as  try  to  have  justice  from  this 
people.  They  know  this  man  and  his  daughter, 
and  they  know  you.  They  have  accepted  her; 
you  might  just  as  well  leave.  You  are  not  the 
first  forsaken  wife  who  has  cried  out  here  for 
justice."  *. 


238  HILTON   HALL. 

Helen  answered  she  thought  she  could  not 
endure  it,  but  would  now  until  she  obtained  jus- 
tice. She  had  not  asked  for  more. 

"Well,  you  can't  receive  it  here,  where  the 
people  have  accepted  his  gifts." 

"Well,  it  seems  to  be  quite  fashionable  with 
you  to  sneeringly  speak  and  point  to  one  as  a 
Westerner.  All  seem  to  imagine  it  cute,  and  have 
no  conception  of  their  rudeness  to  an  entire 
stranger;  yet  all  Western  people  came  from  the 
East,  and  tne  very  cream  of  the  East.  But  just 
so  sure  as  my  name  is  Helen,  so  sure  will  the 
people  of  this  town  one  day  blush  for  this  inter- 
view. I  am  not  fitted  to  cope  with  a  brute  like 
Eastleigh,  but  he  cannot  intimidate  me."  She 
sincerely  hoped  the  majority  of  the  people  were 
not  like  him. 

As  it  was  evening,  he  said  he  would  see  her 
to  the  cars.  As  they  walked  there,  she  noticed 
at  some  distance  from  the  house  was  a  small  lake, 
lying  part  in  gloom  beneath  a  rank  overgrowth  of 
shrubbery,  and  the  summer-house  was  reflected  in 
the  water,  from  the  light  of  the  moon.  Turn 
where  you  would  were  his  gifts  of  selfishness- 
All  his  life  long  he  had  dreamed  of  this.  He 
would  when  ready  make  his  country  folks  beauti- 
ful gifts,  so  winning  fame,  for  among  ther  people 
of  his  birth  country  there  were  none  who  did  not 
rush  to  bid  him  welcome,  with  music,  fruit  and 
flowers,  while  they  treat  him  with  great  forbear- 


HILTON  HALL.  239 

ance.  He  ascribes  it  to  a  wish  on  their  part  not 
to  offend  him,  so  he  is  filled  with  pride  and  self- 
conceit,  and  never  for  a  moment  imagines  that 
his  evil  ways  are  passed  by  from  a  purely  selfish 
motive — they  want  his  money. 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 


CONCORD. 

Forgiveness  to  the  injured  does  belong; 
But  they  ne'er  pardon  who  have  done  the  wrong. 

Dry  den. 

As  the  train  moved  from  the  station,  Helen 
saw  Hilton  driving  leisurely  along,  so  that  the 
people  might  view  them.  His  carriage  was 
costly,  and  drawn  by  bays,  groomed  until  they 
looked  as  if  oiled.  His  thoughts  seemed  to  be 
upon  his  rich,  wide  lands,  his  great  woods,  his 
lake  and  far-reaching  fells.  The  train  stopped  a 
moment,  and  he  passed  so  near  her  she  read  in 
his  face,  "There  are  times  when  I  cannot  realize 
that  all  this  is  mine,"  and  he  smacked  his  lips 
and  breathed  forth  a  full,  short  breath,  as  he  had 
often  done  upon  closing  a  business  transaction, 
in  which  he  had  the  best  of  the  bargain. 

Arriving  at  the  Concord  Station,  Helen  left 
the  train,  took  a  carriage  to  the  hotel.  As  it 
was  late,  went  at  once  to  her  room,  where  she 


240  HILTON   HALL. 

expected  to  burst  into  tears,  as  it  had  been  with 
difficulty  she  could  repress  them  all  day.  Remov- 
ing her  wraps,  she  took  out  a  clean  handkerchief, 
sat  down,  and  then  the  great,  pompous,  ridicu- 
lous brute  came  to  her  mind,  and  his  boasts  of  "I 
am  his  father-in-law;"  and  as  he  would  swell  out 
like  a  great  toad,  it  struck  her  as  funny,  and  in- 
stead of  weeping,  she  burst  out  into  a  merry  peal 
of  laughter,  and  in  her  heart  came  pity — akin  to 
contempt — for  the  woman  possessed  of  such  a 
man  and  such  a  father.  Then  she  went  to  tea, 
then  retired. 

In  the  morning,  buying  a  paper,  she  read  this 
of  Mr.  Hilton: 

"After  a  continuous  round  ot  ovations,  the 
party  entered  the  carriages  and  drove  through 
the  principal  streets  of  the  town  to  the  fair 
grounds.  Never  in  the  history  of  New  Hamp- 
shire was  there  anything  to  equal  the  demon- 
stration given  Hon.  Mr.  Hilton  and  his  guests. 
Approaching  the  scene  depicted  here,  the  situa- 
tion can  be  stated  by  saying,  wherever  D.'  Hilton 
appeared,  the  people  were  wild  in  their  greeting, 
shouting,  'Long  live  Hon.  D.  Hilton,'  and  the 
band  playing,  'Hail  to  the  Chief,'  whenever 
they  caught  a  glimpse  of  his  head  above  the 
mighty  throng  assembled  along  the  streets. 

"  When  order  was  finally  restored,  a  procession 
such  as  few  ever  witnessed  formed  and  marched 
to  the  giounds.  Ascending  the  rostrum,  Hon. 


HILTON   HALL.  241 

Hilton  introduced  the  Governor  of  Massachusetts, 
the  Governor  of  Maine,  the  Governor  of  New 
Hampshire  and  staff,  while  all  the  prominent  men 
in  New  Hampshire  were  in  the  line  of  the  pro- 
cession led  by  Honorable  Donnallen  Hilton. 
After  the  speeches,  the  procession  passed  through 
the  grounds,  then  formed  and  escorted  Hon.  Mr. 
Hilton  and  guests  to  the  palatial  Hilton  Hall, 
where  a  banquet  fit  for  the  gods  was  enjoyed, 
after  which  a  reception  wound  up  the  day's 
festivities. 

"The  city  was  full  of  strangers,  looking  with 
mingled  wonder  and  delight  at  the  flashing  lights 
in  Hilton  Hall.  The  grounds  were  hung  with 
magic  lanterns,  the  fountains  were  playing,  there 
was  music  at  the  entrance,  as  the  carriages  drove 
up  to  the  gate  and  their  distinguished  occupants 
passed  into  the  hall,  which  was  glittering  and 
brilliant. 

"Madam  Selina,  his  'present  wife,'  stands 
under  the  chandalier,  gorgeously  attired  in  a  royal 
purple"  velvet,  en  train,  diamond  stars  in  hair,  on 
neck  and  wrists,  while  her  fingers  glittered  with 
the  same.  She  was-  pronounced  superb  in  the 
splendor  of  her  dress." 

After  breakfast,  Helen  called  on  some  men  of 
Concord.  One,  a  young  man,  stood  high  in  the 
estimation  of  the  people.  She  introduced  herself 
as  Mrs.  Hilton,  and  asked  if  he  knew  her  hus- 
band, telling  of  her  reception  there,  also  of  the 


242  HILTON  HALL. 

three  times  in  her  married  life  rumor  had  reached 
her  that  ere  their  marriage  he  was  a  married 
man;  that  she  had  asked  the  proprietor  of  the 
hotel,  who  was  raised  in  that  town.  He  replied 
he  had  never  heard  of  such  a  wife,  and  Eastleigh 
had  stated  that  he  had  never  had  a  wife  there 
until  his  daughter,  and,  that  he  had  any  children 
was  false. 

He  replied  he  was  a  Concord  man,  and  never 
heard  of  him  until  he  advertised  the  Fair.  Would 
inquire  at  -  — ,  where  he  had  acquaintances, 
and  let  her  know  the  result.  Also  advised  her  to 
see  a  lawyer  there;  that  the  New  Hampshire 
people  were  Christians,  and  would  not  counte- 
nance such  a  thing. 

She  replied  she  should  see  a  lawyer,  but  had 
no  faith  that  one  of  them  would  be  just  to  her. 

Soon  after  this  she  went  to  Boston,  where  she 
interviewed  a  mutual  friend.  He  said  she  could 
do  nothing  with  him  there.  She  must  look  to 
some  lawyer  in  New  York  State.  Said  Hilton 
had  a  wife  long  dead,  who  lett  a  daughter  and 
son,  whom  Hilton  had  married  off.  He  had 
known  the  present  wife  for  years;  was  in  the 
town  when  Hilton  acknowledged  his  marriage  to 
Helen  and  his  .intention  to  publish  it  to  the 
world;  that  they  had  a  great  tragedy  for  days; 
that  Selina  said  "Oh,  no,  she  would  not  give 
the  old  man  and  his  millions  up.  She  was  not 
going  to  give  him  up  because  the  old  fool  thought 


HILTON   HALL.  243 

he  owed  allegiance  to  the  old  woman,  oh,  no! 
She  would  place  him  under  her  thumb  and  keep 
him  there.  The  old  woman  had  had  her  last  in- 
terview with  him,  and  she  would  never  forgive 
her  for  the  last  one."  They  were  quietly  mar- 
ried and  went  to  Egypt.  So  far  as  money  and 
display  were  concerned,  his  richest  countrymen 
had  not  kept  up  with  him.  Eastleigh  said  "his 
darter  was  clear  up  to  the  top  notch,  was  hob- 
nobin'  with  the  great  people  of  America.  There 
was  no  pow.er  on  earth  like  money.  It  had 
opened  doors  to  them  that  had  been  closed  for 
years. " 

The  people  called  her  coarse,  ignorant  and 
tough-skinned,  but  treated  her  with  great  con- 
sideration. She  gave  lavishly  to  the  public  insti- 
tutions of  showy  things.  Had  given  to  the  Sol- 
diers' Home  a  service  of  silver,  china,  cut-glass 
and  fine  linen,  which  was  the  envy  of  many  a  New 
Hampshire  housewife;  and  that  they  had  no 
dread  now  of  the  forsaken  wife,  as  the  reception 
to  the  people  had  established  her  as  lady  par 
excellence  of  the  town.  But  to  the  suffering, 
money  they  neither  of  them  gave. 

Helen  replied,  "Has  Donnallen  become  so 
foolish,  ignorant,  coarse-fibered  and  soulless  as 
to  love  that  treacherous,  low-born,  base-bred 
creature,  who  is  not  even  true  to  him,  while  he 
robbed  me  of  name,  friend  and  station,  casting 
me  adrift  on  the  world,  hoping  despair  would 


244  HILTON   HALL. 

plunge  me,  being  helpless  and  penniless,  into  a 
circle  worse  than  hell  itself?  I  thought  I  could 
not  bear  it,  but  lived  on,  though  all  my  youth, 
and  soul,  and  hope  were  killed." 

He  said,  "It  is  a  lamentable  fact  that  his 
gioss  offenses  met  only  admiration  among  his 
friends  in  New  Hampshire." 

Helen  replied  it  was  wrong  for  ministers  to 
tell  wicked  men  they  may  go  on  in  sin,  and  at 
the  last,  by  confessing  their  sins  as  the  church 
prescribes,  they  can  be  absolved.  When  a  man  is 
devoid  of  conscience,  the  conduct  of  men  will 
influence,  and  when  they  do  not  condemn  they 
encouraged  it. 

Her  friend  had  been  informed  that  Eastleigh 
said  he  "cared  not  for  Helen  nor  the  whole 
caboodle  of  her  friends.  No  doubt  the  old 
woman  would  screech  for  a  time,  but  if  Hilton 
had  fixed  her  so  she  could  not  squeal  on  them, 
he'd  risk  the  thing.  But  while  his  father-in-law 
lived,  by  gosh  he  would  lick  him  within  an  inch 
of  his  life  if  he  tried  his  old  games  on  his  darter. 

No,  d him,  not  while  his  father-in-law  lived, 

jest  remember  that,  boys." 

Her  friend  also  attended  the  dinner.  It  was 
a  gorgeous  spread.  Selina  sat  at  the  head  of  the 
table,  and  snubbed  the  old  man  every  time  he 
spoke. 

It  was  whispered  around  the  table  that  Judge 
Doty's  grand-child,  Hilton's  wife,  was  in  town, 


HILTON  HALL.  245 

and  one  judge  said,  "What  could  have  made  him 
forsake  his  wife  for  that  ignorant  creature,  who 
is  abusive  to  him,  while  she  revels  in  the  luxu- 
ries his  wealth  procures  for  her?"  And  several 
of  the  company  agreed  to  protect  Helen  should 
she  appear  on  the  scene  during  their  stay. 

Bidding  him  adieu,  with  a  promise  of  his 
assistance,  Helen  now  left  for  Rochester,  and  as 
the  scenery  was  wild  and  solemn,  she  wiped  away 
her  tears  and  resolved  upon  her  plan  of  action. 


CHAPTER  X  XXV. 

% 

The  cold  neutrality  of  an  impartial  Judge. 

Burke. 

Arriving  at  Rochester,  Helen  told  a  friend  of 
her  reception  and  that  Eastleigh  had  said 
to  her  that  he  informed  her  husband  that  he 
must  fix  the  old  woman  so  she  could  not  squeal 
on.  them,  and  that  under  a  pretence  of  signing  a 
receipt,  he  had  obtained  her  signature  to  a  state- 
ment that  she  had  never  been  his  wife,  nor  the 
grand-child  of  Judge  Doty,  but  an  abandoned 
woman  of  Nebraska,  who  for  the  consideration  of 
ten  thousand  dollars  had  lived  with  him  for  a 
season,  and  now  released  him  from  the  contract. 
And  they  had  taken  her  photograph  and  hung  it 


246  HILTON   HALL. 

up  in  the  hall  of  a  brothel.  With  such  a  stain 
upon  her  reputation  no  decent  lawyer  would 
take  her  case. 

He  advised  her  to  go  to  the  Detective  Bureau, 
andhire  one  of  the  men  to  go  up  to  New  Hampshire 
and  steal  the  paper,  also  have  him  ascertain  where 
her  picture  was  exhibited,  and  obtain  possession 
of  it;  that  his  charges  would  not  be  beyond  her 
purse. 

Going  to  the  chief  of  police,  and  telling 
her  story,  he  replied,  "Her  reception  there 
proved  her  marriage,  and  that  the  paper,  if  he 
should  produce  it  in  court,  was  as  good  as  a  mar- 
riage certificate,  to  let  him  keep  it.  While  all 
men  knew  if  a  woman  was  abandoned,  it  was  not 
necessary  to  advertise  her.  No  man  ever  had  a 
witness  to  his  visit  to  such  creatures,  nor  were 
they  ever  known  to  take  a  receipt.  She  did  not 
need  a  detective,  but  the  advice  of  a  lawyer. 

He  introduced  her  to  one,  who  told  her  to 
write  up  the  whole  history  of  the  case  from  the 
time  of  her  introduction  to  him  until  the  present 
time;  and  as  his  time  was  constantly  occupied  in 
court,  she  might  aid  him  by  looking  up  witnesses, 
writing  to  the  hotels  and  find  how  they  were 
registered.  Also  to  look  over  her  letters,  and 
place  all  on  file  in  the  order  written. 

She  now  went  to  New  York  City,  looked  up 
the  place  where  her  husband  asked  her  to  step  in 
and  sign  a  receipt  for  him.  She  saw  the  sign, 


HILTON    HALL.  247 

"Notary  for  ail  States."  Then  she  called  upon  an 
acquaintance,  who  was  also  an  old  friend  of  her 
husband.  He  said  he  was  at  the  reception,  but 
not  aware  she  was  there  until  too  late  to  be  of 
service  to  her.  Regretted  she  did  not  visit  the 
fair  grounds,  as  several  influential  men  had 
resolved  to  stand  by  her.  Hilton  had  given  the 
reception  to  this  woman,  who  is  the  same  he  took 
to  Europe  in  '71.  "She  is  taller  than  you,  and 
her  foot  is  immense.  She  was  gorgeous  in  pur- 
ple and  crimson  velvet  and  gems,  their  idea  of 
regal  vestments.  His  residence  is  immense.  The 
hall  was  lighted  by  a  oriel  window.  On  the  wall 
near  the  door  hung  a  cuckoo-clock.  The  walls 
of  the  drawing-room  are  two-stories  high  and 
covered  with  costly  and  brilliant  wainscot.  The 
carpets  were  in  keeping  with  the  walls,  and  the 
pile  so  deep  I  nearly  lost  my  balance.  There 
were  branches  of  palm  and  potted  plants  strewn 
about,  in  token  of  her  triumphs  and  victory  over 
Mrs.  Grundy.  In  the  dining-room  the  mosaic 
work  on  the  floor  consisted  of  ornamental  designs 
in  the  hard-woods  of  America.  He  pays  thous- 
ands of  dollars  to  his  cook,  and  the  table  was 
gorgeous  in  cut-glass,  china,  silver  and  gold. 
The  viands  were  the  best  the  market  offered,  the 
wines  of  the%  costliest  brands.  Curtains  of  rich 
crimson  silk  swept  to  the  floor,  while  all  the  car- 
pets corresponded  in  their  gorgeous  hues  with 
them.  In  the  room  where  we  left  our  coats, 


248  HILTON   HALL. 

above  the  French  bedstead  was  raised  a  slight 
frame  supporting  a  canopy  of  lace,  which  she 
informed  us  cost  ten  thousand  dollars.  Her  room 
was  gorgeous  as  the  taste  of  the  occupant.  On 
the  toilet-table  was  a  full-length  mirror,  and  the 
air  of  the  apartment  was  heavy  with  the  perfumes 
escaping  from  the  crystal  and  gold  flasks  left  pur- 
posely open.  He  has  spared  no  expense.  No 
woman  in  America  has  a  more  extensive  home, 
more  costly  jewels,  more  expensive  dresses,  but 
many  have  them  in  better  taste.  She  has  her 
maid.  They  have  been  three  times  to  Egypt  to 
escape  the  suit.  Cairo  has  been  the  fashionable 
resort.  Returning  to  the  Hall,  she  snubbed  all 
her  former  friends,  tossing  her  head  and  inform- 
ing them  she  could  no  longer  associate  with  the 
common  herd.  When  her  old  man  went  off  in  a 
fit  of  apoplexy,  she  did  not  intend  to  reside  in 
that  nasty,  little  gossipy  town.  Would  sell  the 
.old  place.  It  was  more  fit  for  a  hotel  than  a 
residence.  She  knew  her  young  one  would  get 
the  old  man's  millions." 

"Oh,  the  perfidy  of  that  man  whom  I  trusted 
implicitly!"  said  Helen.  "To  think  while  they 
lived  like  that  he  should  leave  me  on  the  com- 
fortless top  floor  of  a  first-class  hotel,  or  a  dis- 
mal, dreary,  ill-smelling  room  in  a  third  rate  one. 
Why  did  he  not  divorce  me,  if  he  wished  to  be 
rid  of  meP  I  would  not  compel  a  man  to  live 
with  me  who  wished  to  be  free.  Why  should 


HILTON   HALL.  249 

they  have  sold  me  into  bondage?  Had  I  been 
divorced  he  could  have  married  her,  and  each 
could  have  lied  and  cheated  less.  He  took  me 
from  a  home  a  million  times  better,  fresher, 
brighter  and  higher  up  than  anything  I  have  had 
since,  and  while  my  youth  drifted  away  from  me 
I  have  drudged  for  a  crust.  The  last  time  he 
ever  spoke  with  me  he  said  he  loathed  the  sight 
of  that  woman,  and  that  his  most  tranquilly 
happy  hours  were  those  spent  in  that  Jersey 
home.  Said  he  bitterly  regretted  his  going  to 
Europe  and  leaving  me  to  starve,  and  that  he 
was  amazed  that  the  delicacy  of  my  complexion 
survived  through  years  of  hardship.  He  always 
became  a  slave  to  those  people  who  were  useful 
to  him,  and  that  brute  of  an"Eastleigh  has  been." 

"Your  displeasure  is  righteous;  but,  Mrs. 
Hilton,  excuse  me  if  I  tell  you  you  have  acquired 
a  hardness  and  coldness  in  your  manner  which  is 
repellant.  You  must  rid  yourself  of  it  ere  the 
suit  begins.  I  shall  do  all  I  can  to  help  you, 
and  will  try  and  interest  some  friends  in  '  your 
suit." 

Helen  thanked  him,  then  said  she  read  the 
people  of  New  Hampshire  spoke  of  Mr.  Hilton 
as  self-made.  He  had  no  armoral  bearings." 

"Yes,"  he  replied,  "while  they  flatter  him  so, 
they  commend  him  to  the  lower  regions,  and 
really  nothing  can  depict  his  villiany."  While 
they  were  talking,  a  gentleman  called  at  his 


250  HILTON   HALL. 

office,  to  whom  he  introduced  Helen,  at  the  same 
time  giving  a  brief  sketch  of  her  troubles.  He 
expressed  sympathy,  arid  advised  her  to  have  the 
suit  in  New  York,  saying  he  was  at  a  club  sup- 
per where  Mr.  Hilton  was  a  guest;  that  he  was 
shocked  to  hear  him  boast  of  his  many  wives; 
that  he  said  when  he  fancied  a  woman,  if  he 
could  not  purchase,  he  married  her.  That  among 
his  many  children  was  one  son,  who  was  pos- 
sessed of  executive  ability;  that  he  had  told  the 
boy  who  he  was,  and  offered  to  acknowledge 
him  and  make  him  sole  manager  of  all  his  busi- 
ness, and  even  be  reconciled  to  his  mother.  But 
the  boy  spurned  him.  He  also  laughingly  stated 
that  having  indirectly  caused  the  death  of  several 
women,  by  suddenly  leaving  them  to  their  fate, 
he  had  changed  his  tactics,  and  made  their 
alienation  so  gradual  that  they  would  be  unable 
to  state  at  what  moment  or  day,  and  say  here  was 
the  beginning.  He  would  begin  by  absenting 
himself  on  business,  gradually  remain  longer  and 
longer  away,  so  that  when  the  final  separation 
came  they  would  remain  a  long  time  unceitain  as 
to  any  change  in  his  relations  to  them,  giving 
him  the  better  opportunity  to  lay  his  plans.  When 
they  realized  their  situation,  surprise  and  grief 
kept  them  for  a  time  unable  to  act,  and  by  the 
time  they  were  ready  to  take  the  law  upon  him 
he  entered  his  own  train,  boarded  a  steamer,  and 
traveled  as  long  as  he  pleased,  usually  with  the 


HILTON    HALL.  251 

result  that  patience  and  money  were  exhausted, 
and  he  scott  free.  He  did  so  in  his  desertion  of 
you,  did  he  not,  Mrs.  Hilton  i*" 

"Yes,"  replied  Helen.  "I  have  never  quite 
understood  the  dark  mystery.  You  have  made 
the  circumstances  quite  plain  to  me.  But  I  shall 
never  be  reconciled  to  the  unhappy  years  passed 
with  him,  and  remember  with  loathing  the  kindly 
pity,  the  hypocritical  condolence  or  the  insolent 
jeers  with  which  people  branded  me  as  a  deserted 
wife.  Society  looks  upon  such  an  event  as  much 
more  shameful  than  to  have  lived  a  life  of  im- 
morality. " 

"Does  your  own  family   esteem  Mr.    Hilton?" 
"They  do  not  even  mention    the  name   of  the 
man,  who  has  been    to  their   home   of    such  evil 
omen." 


252  HILTON   HALL. 


CHAPTES  XXXVI. 


ROBB  COTTAGE  TW  NORTH 

Tender-handed  stroke  a  nettle, 
And  it  stings  you  for  your  pains; 
Grasp  it  like  a  man  of  mettle, 
And  it  soft  as  silk  remains, 
'Tis  the  same  with  common  natures; 
Use  "em  kindly,  they  rebel; 
But  be  rough  as  nutmeg-graters, 
And  the  rogues  obey  you  well. 

A.  Hill  1750. 

Learning  all  she  could  in  reference  to  the 
subject,  she  now  returned  to  Parma.  To  Hagar's 
inquiries  she  replied  that  she  was  doing  well; 
everything  seemed  to  be  working  into  her  hand. 

She  now  began  the  task  of  sorting  and  filing 
her  letters.  She  noticed  Hagar  would  come  now 
and  then  and  look  over  her  shoulder.  She  would 
express  sympathy  for  her  and  say,  "As  your  eyes 
pain  you  so,  let  me  read  them  for  you."  In  many 
the  date  was  omitted,  but  she  could  tell  the  year, 
as  they  were  nearly  all  business  letters.  When 
all  were  read,  she  found  there  were  nearly  four 
Hundred  business  letters,  covering  a  period  of 
seven  j'ears.  She  arranged  them  in  seven  packages, 
tied  them  separate,  marking  the  years,  then  tied 


HILTON   HALL.  253 

all  together,  with  several  newspapers  in  reference 
to  the  subject,  and  placed  in  her  trunk,  leaving 
out  several  very  important  ones,  which  she  placed 
in  her  safe  deposit  box  in  Rochester.  This  fin- 
ished, Hagar  said,  "Now,  the  lawyer  you  have  is 
influential,  and  will  win  the  suit.  How  much  of 
the  Hilton  money  are  you  going  to  give  me?  If 
you  don't  promise  me  half,  I'll  work  for  East- 
leigh.  I  have  found  out  he  is  a  Granger;  I  am  a 
Granger,  and  can  make  his  acquaintance  without 
any  trouble. " 

Helen  replied  she  owed  her  nothing,  neither 
would  she  purchase  her.  Bought  friendship  was 
not  worth  the  having.  If  she  wished  to  work  for 
that  brute  and  his  daughter,  to  go  ahead.  "I'll 
give  you  nothing. " 

Helen  was  angry,  and  Hagar  seeing  she  had 
gone  too  far,  begged  her  pardon. 

Helen  saw  that  her  trunk  was  securely  locked, 
for  she  had  lost  faith  in  Hagar,  and  knew  that  if 
she  offended  her  by  leaving  the  house,  she  would 
be  at  war  with  all  the  family.  But  she  watched 
her,  and  knew  she  was  not  only  stealing  her  let- 
ters, but  that  she  did  not  mail  any.  So  Helen 
manoeuvred  to  mail  all  the  letters.  She  several 
times  sent  money.  The  receipt  came,  looked  all 
right,  but  upon  investigation  she  found  the 
money  never  reached  the  parties.  Hagar  was 
fond  of  prying,  and  seemed  to  have  no  conscience. 

So  Helen  thought  discretion  the  better  part  of 


254  HILTON   HALL 

valor,  and  told  her  as  she  wished  to  correspond 
with  a  number  of  very  old  friends,  and  the  let- 
ters would  be  numerous,  she  would  find  rooms 
at  Rochester,  remain  there  until  she  had  finished 
hei  investigations,  and  not  put  them  to  the 
trouble  of  bringing  her  mail. 

She  found  pleasant  rooms,  and  was  most  suc- 
cessful, having  prompt  replies  to  all  enquiries, 
and  never  missing  a  letter.  Her  time  passed 
pleasantly,  as,  when  she  was  obliged  to  remain  in 
a  darkened  room,  owing  to  the  intense  pain  in 
her  eyes,  which  sometimes  lasted  hours,  a  charm- 
ing little  lady  had  the  room  next  hers,  and 
would  open  the  folding  doors  just^ajar  so  as  not 
to  let  in  the  light,  and  they  would  chat  for  hours. 
They  had  much  in  common.  Each  had  met  with 
reverses,  and  they  were  out  of  their  element. 

Mrs.  Holmes  was  finely  educated,  well  read 
and  traveled,  and  she  would  talk  of  home  until 
Helen  seemed  .to  know  all  the  fair  scenes  in  her 
beloved  Canada. 

At  the  rooms,  twice  a  week,  was  the  idol  of 
one  of  the  Parma  churches,  and  whenever  he 
passed  Helen  on  the  street  he  would  join  her  and 
chat  about  music,  saying  he  was  studying,  and 
could  not  pronounce  the  difficult  names,  and  was 
deeply  grateful  for  thfe  hints  she  gave  him. 

She  noticed  wherever  she  went  he  seemed 
always  going  that  way.  It  was  evident  he  was 
watching  her.  One  day  he  came  to  the  rooms. 


HILTON   HALL.  255 

She  was  alone.  He  said,  "I  wish  to  ask  your 
advice.  I  am  in  deep  trouble,  and  cannot  ask 
my  mother  for  she  knows  no  more  about  the  sub- 
ject than  I  do,"  and  down  he  sat  in  her  lap, 
right  before  the  open  window. 

Helen  said,  "Where  I  was  raised,  no  gentle- 
man would  be  guilty  of  such  a  rudeness.  But  if 
you  wish  my  advice,  first  tell  me  why  you  pursue 
me  like  my  shadow." 

"Why,  Mrs.  Robb  asked  me  to;  but  you  are 
all  right.  You  see  she  believes  you  have  money, 
and  when  you  came  into  the  city  she  asked  me 
to  follow  you.  You  have  money,  too,  for  I  saw 
you  go  into  that  safe  deposit  bank  and  come  out 
with  a  lot  of  money  and  send  it  off  by  express." 

"Do  you  think  that  is  honorable?  Hagar  has 
not  the  slightest  honesty.  She  is  an  intriguing 
schemer.  I  came  into  the  city  to  be  rid  of  her, 
without  offending  her,  and  as  I  expect  a  lawsuit 
any  day  with  my  husband,  have  been  very  cir- 
cumspect, refusing  all  invitations  to  go  out.  In 
fact,  since  my  husband  forsook  me,  have  never 
been  out  with  a  gentleman,  unless  a  friend  has 
requested  her  husband  to  take  me,  nor  do  I  like 
the  familiar  way  in  which  you  accost  me  on  the 
street,  for  although  you  claim  to  be  very  young, 
you  must  know  I  am  not  so  old  but  Mrs.  Grundy 
would  talk." 

He  promised    not    to    annoy    her    again;     but 


256  HILTON   HALL. 

asked  her  advice  in  regard  to  his  health,  saying 
he  feared  his  days  were  nunbered. 

She  told  him  to  consult  a  specialist,  and  there 
the  subject  ended. 

By-and-bye  Mrs.  Robb  came  to  see  her,  say- 
ing they  received  almost  nothing  for  their  apple 
crop,  and  they  only  had  potatoes  and  a  few  oats 
beside.  That  she  was  to  board  the  school 
teacher,  and  would  she  not  return  and  board  with 
them? 

Helen  replied,  "You  are  well  aware  you  have 
made  my  sojourn  very  unpleasant." 

She  did  not  know  why.  There  had  been  a 
misunderstanding  about  nothing,  and  it  should 
not  occur  again. 

"How  about  your  putting  a  spy  upon  me?" 

This  she  stoutly  denied. 

So  Helen  again  returned  to  Parma.  The 
school  teacher  was  quite  frigid,  but  as  the  spring 
days  advanced  became  somewhat  friendly.  When 
one  day  Helen  passed  through  the  dining-room 
and  she  heard  Mrs.  Robb  say,  "You  must  not  be 

friendly  with  Helen.  She  is ,  and  we  are 

keeping  her  out  of  charity,  hoping  to  reform  her." 

Helen  was  furious,  and  asked  the  teacher  if 
she  had  not  seen  her  twice  pay  Mrs.  Robb  thirty 
dollars.  What  do  you  imagine  I  gave  it  for  if 
not  for  my  board?  Also  telling  some  not  very 
complimentary  things  that  had  been  said  about 
herself.  Then  in  came  a  neighbor  furious  about 


HILTON   HALL.  257 

some  reports  she  had  just  heard  about  herself  as 
coining  from  Mrs.  Robb. 

"Oh!"  said  the  latter,  "never  said  a  word  in 
all  my  life,"  and  there  issued  from  her  throat 
sounds  of  lamentation  that  were  heard  by  two 
neighbors  that  were  at  work  in  the  tield  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  away.  Suddenly  her  face  brightened. 
She  said,  "I  never  said  that,  it  was  Helen 
Hilton." 

"Yes,"  replied  Mr.  Robb,  "you  know  anyone 
will  take  my  word.  It  was  Helen  Hilton.  Just 
remember  the  circumstance.  She  told  that  yarn 
on  your  first  visit  here." 

He  was  reliable,  and  Helen  sank  to  zero  in 
their  estimation.  But  when  there  was  a  pause  in 
the  conversation,  she  said,  Mr.  True,  you  remem- 
ber I  left  her,  remaining  away  two  years.  It 
was  while  I  was  absent  the  lady  came  here.  I 
never  saw  her,  nor  did  I  ever  hear  her  name 
until  you  told  me.  You  know  when  I  left,  as 
you  took  me  to  the  train.  Mrs.  Robb  told  me 
upon  my  return  just  what  the  lady  says  she 
heard." 

Mrs.  Robb  looked  about.  Seeing  a  large 
cushioned  chair,  with  a  loud  whoop  she  tumbled 
into  it. 

She  immediately  consulted  her  pastor,  and 
upon  finding  Helen  packed  ready  to  leave  her 
house,  she  and  Mr.  Robb  ordered  her  out. 

Friendships     of     long      standing      were      now 


258  HILTON   HALL. 

broken.  Faith  was  transformed  to  mean  doubt, 
and  scandal,  slander  and  gossip  took  on  the  fea- 
tures of  black  malevolence,  so  far  as  concerned 
Helen,  for  they  realized  she  was  alone,  the  whole 
church  throwing  upon  her  the  burden  of  it  all. 

They  were  not  content  by  mixing  in  the 
neighborhood,  but  they  mixed  in  the  young 
people  of  the  village,  making  them  believe  Helen 
had  designed  a  mournful  shipwreck  of  their 
happiness. 

Helen  now  engaged  a  home  with  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Clive,  very  Christian  people,  who  were 
most  kind  to  her,  although  they  were  censured 
for  being  so.  It  was  a  refined  home,  and  they 
mingled  with  educated  people,  and,  most  remark- 
able, were  raised  within  ten  miles  of  Hilton  Hall. 

The  Baptist  people  and  some  of  the  Methodist 
were  more  than  kind  to  her;  but  some  of  the 
young  people  made  her  life  almost  unbearable. 
They  were  not  reasonably  fair,  but  grossly 
abusive,  and  did  not  have  a  high  ideal  of  social 
or  intellectual  life,  while  the  Robb  family  were  in 
fact  the  princes  and  princesses  of  Mephistopheles. 

Helen  tried  now  not  to  notice  them,  but  after 
a  time  they  seemed  very  friendly,  coming  to  her 
to  borrow  some  music  for  a  church  entertainment, 
asking  for  her  contribution,  urging  her  to  attend, 
saying  it  was  "noblest  to  forgive." 

She  thought  best  not  to  go,  but  lent  the 
music,  and  contributed  her  mite  towards  paying 


HILTON   HALL.  259 

Miss  Tarslop,  from  Fairport,  the  elocutionist, 
who  caricatured  Helen. 

She  was  glad  she  did  not  attend.  But  calling 
upon  the  pastor  she  said,  "I  believe  things  have 
been  misconstrued  to  you,  and  wish  to  explain 
that  I  am  mixed  up  in  an  unpleasant  broil  with 
many  members  of  your  church,  some  who  openly 
insult  me.  I  do  not  even  know  their  names,  but 
humbled  myself  to  say  if  I  had  offended  them  was 
very  sorry.  I  did  offend,  unintentionally,  one  of 
your  church  people;  but  as  I  apologized,  why 
not  drop  it? 

He  replied  it  was  wise  to  mind  one's  business. 

At  this  Helen  said  sarcastically,  "I  did  not 
come  to  beg  for  mercy,  nor  for  you  to  continue 
the  acquaintance,  but  to  say  that  if  what  I  said 
had  wounded  you,  that  it  was  not  meant  for  your 
ears;  but  since  you  have  heard  it,  I  was  sorry  for 
the  remark.  In  some  unaccountable  way  I  seem  to 
be  surrounded  by  falsehood,  jealousy  and  treachery. 
While  it  would  be  pleasant,  since  fate  for  a  time 
has  placed  me  in  your  midst,  to  be  friendly,  I 
can  very  well  live  without  your  friendship,  but 
do  not  think  it  fair,  since  you  have  nothing  to 
complain  of  but  that  my  opinions  differ  from 
yours,  that  your  people  should  treat  me  and 
taunt  me  as  I  pass  them  in  the  street  with  such 
language  as  would  lead  a  stranger  who  heard 
them  to  imagine  I  was  an  infamous  woman.  I 
am  in  deep  trouble,  financial  and  in  other  ways, 


260  HILTON   HALL. 

as  1  am  expecting  a  suit  with  my  husband,  whom 
I  explained  to  you  when  we  first  met  had  for- 
Saken  me.  It  might  not  be  a  trouble  to  you,  but 
to  me  it  is  a  heavy  burden.  So  you  can  under- 
stand I  have  no  time  for  interest  in  the  gossip 
nor  the  petty  pleasures  of  the  young  people.  If 
you  have  been  in  trouble  and  sorrow  you  can 
understand.  You  do  not  take  an  interest  in  the 
trivial  things  of  life." 

This  was  received  with  a  sneer  and  titter 
from  his  wife  and  daughters,  while  with  an 
amused  glance  at  them  he  turned  to  Helen  and 
said,  "1  will  not  meddle  with  your  troubles." 

She  now  leit.  As  she  neared  the  post-office, 
she  saw  just  entering  the  door  the  minister,  so 
she  remained  outside  until  he  came  out. 

Going  in  and  asking  for  her  mail,  three  of  the 
members  of  his  church  said,  "The  old  gal  is  in 
trouble,"  with  a  low  remark  and  giggle. 

Helen  was  horrified,  as  she  knew  the  minister 
had  reported  her  interview,  and  they  were  mis- 
construing her  words  to  amuse  their  vile  natures. 

A  few  days  after  this  si  gentleman,  a  stranger, 
came  to  her,  introduced  himself,  saying,  "I  heard 
that  gross  insult  offered  you  in  the  post-office.  I 
am  a  stranger  at  the  hotel,  but  those  same  men, 
with  some  members  of  the  choir,  came  to  the 
hotel  and  had  a  long  chat,  every  word  of  which  1 
heard.  They  mean  you  mischief,  and  have  the 


HILTON   HALL.  261 

sanction    of    their    pastor.     Had    you    not    better 
leave  the  towni*" 

She  thanked  him,  but  said  to  go  away  might 
give  color  to  their  reports.  But  she  would  ask 
advice. 

He  said,*he  was  a  friend  of  some  of  her  relat- 
ives near  Rochester,  and  out  of  respect  for  them 
informed  her  of  the  conversation  or  conspiracy. 

Helen  asked  advice.     Was  told  to  remain  and 
see  it  out.       All  the  people  of  the  town  were  n 
dogs. 

But  she  replied  that  it  was  said  "individuals 
sometimes  forgive,  but  bodies  and  societies  never 
do."  However,  she  remained. 

A  few  days  later  one  of  the  young  men  of  the 
church  met  Helen,  telling  her  to  fork  over  the 
money  for  an  organ,  or  they  would  make  the 
place  hotter  than  it  had  been.  That  Mr.  So-and- 
So,  naming  them,  had  said  if  she  felt  as  bad 
about  the  gossip  as  her  interview  with  the  pastor 
would  indicate,  she  would  pay  high  to  shut  them 
up. 

"Truly,"  replied  she,  "I  did  not  expect  to 
meet  among  a  Christian  people,  in  such  a  pretty 
village,  such  brutal,  dishonorable  members,  who 
in  vulgar  language  would  demand  that  for  which 
they  had  no  right  to  ask.  I  am  not  rich,  but  if  I 
were,  have  friends  of  my  own  who  need  my 
sympathy  and  aid,  and  would  not  give  your 
church  an  organ.  I  have  contributed  my  share 


262  HILTON   HALL. 

ever  since  I  attended  your  church,  for  I  would 
not  think  it  right  to  sit  in  your  pews,  Sunday 
after  Sunday,  listening  to  your  salaried  minister, 
and  not  contribute  toward  the  salary;  but  I  am 
the  best  judge  of  what  I  can  afford  to  give" 

"Ha,  ha,  old  woman!  You  ar$,  are  you? 
Well,  d you,  we'll  fix  you  if  you  don't!" 

After  this  she  was  vexed  with  the  thought 
that  however  kind  and  courteous  the  people  of 
this  little  church  were  to  each  other  in  their 
hearts,  they  would  destroy  her  at  any  moment 
without  scruple  of  conscience.  Here  had  she 
resided  for  years.  So  far  as  she  knew,  she  had 
not  laid  a  straw  in  the  path  of  one  of  them, 
believing  them  to  be  virtuous  and  peace-loving; 
and  here  they  were  exhibiting  vices  and  conten- 
tions new  to  her.  For  among  robbers  there  is  a 
courage  in  their  "Stand  and  deliver"  which  com- 
mands one's  admiration,  while  the  attacks  here 
had  been  stabs  in  the  back,  or  to  her  face  only  a 
jeer,  the  weapon  of  a  coward. 


HILTON    HALL.  263 


CHAPTER  XXXVI 


THE  CLIVE  RESIDENCE. 

Hast  God.thou  fool!  work'd  solely  for  thy  good, 
Thy  joy,  thy  pastime,  thy  attire,  thy  food? 
Who  for  thy  table  feeds  the  wanton  fawn, 
For  him  as  kindly  spreads  the  flow'rylawn; 
Is  it  for  thee  the  lark  ascends  and  sings? 
Joy  times  his  voice,  joy  elevates  his  wings. 
Is  it  for  thee  the  linnet  pours  his  throat? 
Loves  of  his  own  and  rapture  swell  the  note. 
The  bounding  steed  you  pompously  bestride, 
Shares  with  his  lord  the  pleasure  and  the  pride. 
Is  thine  alone  the  seed  that  strews  the  plain? 
The  birds  of  heaven  shall  vindicate  their  grain. 
Thine  the  full  harvest  of  the  golden  year? 
Part  pays,  and  justly,  the  deserving  steer; 
The  hog  that  ploughs  not,  nor  obeys  thy  call, 
Lives  on  the  labors  of  this  Lord  of  all. 
Know,  Nature's  children  all  divide  her  care; 
The  fur  that  warms  a  monarch,  warm'd  a  bear. 
While  man  exclaims,  "See  all  things  for  my  use!" 
"See  man  for  mine!"  replies  a^pampered  goose: 
And  just  as  short  of  reason  he  must  fall, 
Who  thinks  all  made  for  one,  not  one  for  all. 

Pope. 

Helen  had  scarcely  been  installed  in  her  new 
abode  ere  Hagar  Robb  called  and  informed  Mrs. 
Clive  that  she  had  seen  fit  to  order  her  from  her 
house. 


264  HILTON   HALL. 

Mrs.  Clive  said,  "She  has  been  an  inmate  of 
your  home  many  years,  has  she  not?  And  is  she 
not  a  relative?" 

"Very  distant." 

When  told  of  this,  Helen  said,  "If  you  wish 
references,  consult  the  True  family.  They  have 
been  well  acquainted,  and  warm  friends  of  mine 
since  the  first  day  I  came  here." 

"Oh,  I  don't  care  for  Mrs.  Kobb,  but  am 
very  fond  of  the  pastor  and  his  wife,  and  don't 
blame  them  for  not  being  your  friend." 

She  replied,  "Weil,  I  do.  His  duty  was  to 
secure  harmony  among  the  members  of  his 
church.  My  offence  was  unintentional,  and  when 
I  explained  this  and  expressed  regret  that  it 
should  have  happened,  his  conduct  was  insolent 
and  uncivil,  while  it  was  atrocious  that  they 
should  so  scandalously  malign  me,  where  I  was 
not  known,  and  where  it  was  impossible  to  explain. 
There  comes  a  time  when  patience  ceases  to  be 
a  virtue,  and  it  reached  that  point  when  they 
hired  that  creature  from  Fairport  to  strut  their 
pulpit,  in  a  ridiculous  caricature  of  my  dead 

q£ 

grandfather  and  myself,  and  beg  of  me  money  to 
defray  the  expenses.  It  was  unjust.  While  I 
do  not  wish  you  to  think  any  the  less  of  them  on 
my  account,  understand  I  have  not  one  particle 
of  respect  for  them." 

It  was  very  perceptible  that  Mrs.  Clive  had 
become  suspicious.  However  it  soon  wore  off. 


HILTON    HALL.  265 

Just  before  Helen  left  the  Robb  cottage,  she 
received  a  letter  from  some  St.  Louis  friends, 
who  were  traveling  and  would  remain  a  day  at 
Rochester.  Wished  her  to  meet  them  at  Power's 
Hotel.  With  the  party  were  two  young  men 
from  Boston,  strangers  to  her.  All  wished  to  be 
of  service  to  Helen.  They  believed  Mr.  Hilton 
had  some  consideration  for  her,  and  intended 
when  he  married  her  that  she  should  never  know 
his  real  character.  The)'  had  made  careful  in- 
quiries, and  learned  he  had  taken  no  such  pains 
with  any  ofher  woman;  besides,  he  had  never  in- 
troduced her  to  his  low,  rude  associates.  They 
said  he  had  lived  with  Selina,  his  present  wife, 
ten  years  without  the  formality  of  a  ceremony. 
The  friends  of  the  family  thought  this  somewhat 
objectionable,  but  after  he  gave  the  reception  to 
her  it  had  been  forgiven. 

"When  Mr.  Hilton  announced  his  intention  of 
bringing  you  to  New  Hampshire  as  his  wife,  Mr. 
Eastleigh,  who  is  coarse  and  rough,  and  holds 
some  secret  influence  over  him,  quarreled  with 
him  for  three  days,  at  the  end  of  which  Mr.  Hil- 
ton bade  you  adieu  in  New  York  City.  We 
know  it  was  Eastleigh  who  compelled  him  to 
forsake  you." 

Helen  said,  "Now  I  know  what  the  old  detec- 
tive meant  when  he  said,  'Mrs.  Hilton,  back  of 
all  this  there  is  something.  What  is  it?  Give 


266  HILTON    HALL. 

me  a  clue  and  I  will  work  for  you.'  But  I 
could  not  answer,  for  I  did  not  know." 

Helen  asked  the  two  young  men  if  they  were 
acquainted  with  her  husband. 

They  answered,  "Well  acquainted  with  all 
the  parties."  Said  one,  "Am  I  not  as  handsome 
as  Mr.  Hilton?  Well,  those  handsome  looks 
were  '  my  fortune.  Selina  Eastleigh  paid  my 
expenses  through  college. " 

"Were  the  teachers  and  scholars  aware  of  it?" 

"Yes,"  replied  his  friend,  "he  was  too  con- 
temptible to  keep  it  to  himself. 

"Mr.  Hilton  had  cheated  all  his  life,  and  now  it 
was  'Ruse  centre  ruse.'" 

They  all  bade  Helen  depend  upon  them  if  it 
came  to  a  fight. 

When  they  left  on  the  evening  train,  she 
called  on  her  aunt,  telling  her  that  so'.ne  of  the 
burdens  were  becoming  light.  She  would  rather 
believe  her  husband  was  compelled  to  leave  her 
than  that  it  was  voluntary. 

Her  aunt  said,  "If  you  do  right,  all  your 
weights  will  become  wings." 

Helen  resolved  to  save  all  her  money,  and 
bring  about  the  suit  soon  as  possible.  She  had 
been  striving  for  nearly  ten  years,  but  had  not 
succeeded  in  serving  papers  on  him.  Just  as 
soon  as  her  lawyer  was  ready  some  one  informed 
Mr.  Hilton,  and  he  would  start  for  Egypt. 

All  the  eminent  lawyers  with  whom  she  talked 


HILTON   HALL.  267 

said  the  court  would  do  her  justice,  and  if  he  had 
procured  a  divorce  without  her  consent,  it  was 
not  worth  the  paper  it  was  written  upon.  But  if 
they  took  the  case  she  must  have  the  papers 
served  upon  him,  as  their  time  was  too  valuable, 
when  men  sometimes  paid  them  a  hundred  dol- 
lars an  hour  for  their  services. 

Her  capital  was  small  and  her  expenses  very 
heavy.  Her  broken-down  eyes  made  it  impossi- 
ble to  continue  her  teaching;  but  she  added 
somewhat  to  her  funds  by  working  in  the  dry- 
bouse,  facing  boxes  for  packing  the  fruit.  The 
owners  of  the  building  were  well-educated,  Chris- 
tian people,  and  treated  all  with  even-handed  jus- 
tice. But  there  were  several  people  working  there 
who  exhibited  toward  her  a  grossness  and  venom 
impossible  to  describe. 

She  bore  it  with  the  best  grace  possible,  as 
she  needed  the  money,  and  work  is  no  disgrace. 
It  is  only  priggish  people  who  think  so. 

Her  change  of  residence  was  a  means  of 
introducing  her  to  Messrs.  Jones  &  Paul,  emi- 
nent lawyers  of  New  Hampshire.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Clive  had  quite  a  circle  of  friends  from  New 
York  City  and  Boston.  Those  from  the  latter 
city  were  nearly  all  acquainted  with  Mr.  Hilton, 
but  were  very  careful  not  to  divulge  what  they 
knew. 

However,  one  friend  came  from  New  York 
City  who  took  a  deep  interest  in  Helen,  saying 


268  HILTON   HALL. 

he  knew  Mr.  Hilton  so  well  he  could  believe  alJ 
she  said.  If  she  would  prove  her  marriage  to 
him  he  would  intercede  for  her. 

She  brought  him  one  of  Mr.  Hilton's  leters, 
in  which  he  said,  "I  am  at  your  home,  my  darl- 
ing, and  have  told  them  of  our  marriage." 

When  he  had  finished  he  said,  "Mr.  Hilton  is 
supposed  to  be  enormously  rich.  With  the  sport- 
ing men  he  stands  high,  as  he  spends  money  on 
them  freely,  but  with  the  Christian,  solid  people 
of  New  Hampshire  he  is  not  received.  He  has 
a  son  and  a  daughter  by  a  former  marriage.  I  will 
introduce  you  to  Messrs.  Jones  &  Paul,  whom  I 
believe  Mr.  Hilton  will  be  unable  to  bribe. 
They  have  never  lost  a  rase;  beside,  the 
New  Hampshire  people  are  too  good  to  encour- 
age such  an  inhuman  act.  You  will  never  catch 
him  only  by  securing  lawyers  that  can  be  near 
him.  He  has  the  means  to  escape  you  upon  the 
slightest  hint." 

He  wrote  the  gentlemen,  and  they  opened 
a  correspondence  with  Helen,  after  they  had 
learned  all  the  circumstances.  They  had  to  look 
over  the  statute  books  to  see  what  chances  there 
were  for  Mr.  Hilton  to  escape  the  penalty  of 
his  crime.  This  consumed  three  months,  making 
five  months  since  they  were  introduced. 

Mr.  Jones  now  wrote  Helen  to  send  him 
some  of  Mr.  Hilton's  letters,  that  he  might  judge 
of  their  purport.  Upon  going  for  the  letters 


HILTON   HALL.  269 

where  they  had  been  securely  locked  in  a  leather 
trunk  with  a  peculiar  lock,  and  covered  with 
canvas,  which  she  kept  strapped  down,  the  lock 
had  been  cut  out,  with  a  very  sharp  knife,  about 
three-fourths  of  an  inch  wide.  Her  papers  and 
letters,  and  some  receipts  of  registered  mail,  were 
Rone. 

Helen's  youngest  sister  had  met  with  reverses, 
and  while  at  Mr.  Robb's  she  had  sent  her,  at 
different  times,  money,  but  could  not  hear  from 
her,  which  she  thought  strange;  and  the  receipts 
were  so  precisely  written  she  did  not  think  them 
genuine,  and  told  Hagar  so. 

When  she  saw  her  sister  she  learned  that  dur- 
ing all  her  poverty  she  neither  received  message 
nor  money  from  her.  Helen  still  had  one  package 
of  letters,  the  one  she  had  opened  to  show  the 
lawyers,  and  forgotten  to  replace.  She  was 
indignant,  and  knew  without  the  aid  of  a  detec- 
tive that  Hagar  had  broken  into  the  trunk,  so 
wrote  instantly  upon  a  postal  that  she  must  return 
the  property  or  she  would  make  her. 

When  Mr.  Clive  came  to  dinner  Helen  told 
him  of  her  loss.  He  advised  her  to  get  out  a 
search  warrant  and  secure  her  property.  To 
write  her  would  give  her  opportunity  to  hide  the 
things  and  pose  as  an  injured  woman. 

Too  late.  The  postal  had  been  mailed.  As 
she  left  the  post-office,  she  saw  entering  it  Hagar 
Robb,  and  Mrs.  Pew  from  Dryden,  a  very  con- 


270  HILTON    HALL. 

genial  friend  of  Hagar's.  She  stopped  to  see 
them  take  the  postal,  thinking  they  might  have 
some  remarks  to  make.  The  office  was  very  small, 
and  Helen  now  wore  glasses  that  enabled  her  to 
see  distinctly.  She  saw  Hagar  receive  the  postal 
and  three  letters.  From  the  fashion  of  the 
envelopes  she  knew  they  were  hers.  On  one  she 
distinctly  read  her  name.  It  was  from  her  sister, 
who  writes  a  large  hand. 

"What  are  you  doing  with  my  mail?"  said 
Helen,  in  a  voice  choUing  with  suppressed 
passion. 

"Don't  tell  me  to  give  you  the  letters.  Brother 
is  postmaster,  and  if  you  try  to  make  harm  of  it," 
looking  defiantly  at  Helen  with  glittering  eyes, 
"we  all  of  us  will  say  we  had  reason  to  suppose 
the  letters  were  obscene.  We  have  a  right  to 
take  them." 

Helen  said,  "Those  were  not  written  by  me, 
but  by  my  friends." 

"No  one  will  believe  you,  you  old  lunatic." 

Mr.  Pew  was  a  notary,  and  two  years  before 
devoted  three  weeks  of  his  valuable  time  in 
teaching  his  wife  and  Hagar  the  art  of  forgery. 
The  latter  said  he  pronounced  hers  beyond 
detection  by  the  keenest  expert. 

Helen  had  been  unable  to  understand  the 
performance,  but  was  beginning  to  estimate  their 
real  motive.  It  was  evident  they  had  forged  the 
receipts.  Instead  of  mailing  at  Parma,  Hagar 


HILTON    HALL.  271 

had  taken  the  letters  and  packages  to  her  brother. 
The  two  had  managed  it  very  well. 

Now  Helen  knew  why  she  never  heard  from 
her  friends,  and  why  the  things  and  money  she 
sent  never  reached  their  destination. 

She  received  next  day  a  letter  from  Mr.  Jones, 
saying,  "I  wrote  yesterday,  putting  you  under 
orders,  but  forgot  one  item." 

The  envelope  was  exactly  like  the  one  taken 
the  day  before  by  Hagar. 

A  few  days  after  this  event  the  people  in  the 
fruit-house  said  to  Helen,  "Your  wise  plan  would 
be  to  run.  We  intend  putting  you  behind  the 
bars  for  life.  We  can  make  more  swearing 
against  you  in  the  Supreme  Court  than  we  can 
pearing  apples  or  picking  beans." 

A  man  outside  said  to  her,  "That  is  not  an 
idle  threat.  Had  you  not  better  leave  the  place?" 

"Never!  Those  few  people  are  a  set  of  fana- 
tics, who  cannot  be  satisfied  until  everyone  about 
them  is  of  their  way  of  thinking.  I  quietly 
refused  to  conform  to  their  opinions,  so  they 
became  offended  and  found  relief  to  their  injured 
feelings  by  the  coarsest  abuse.  Their  thoughts, 
standards,  manners  and  morals  are  not  mine.  I 
cannot  welcome  them  to  the  close  bond  of 
friendship.  My  associations  with  them  are  those 
of  circumstances,  not  of  my  choosing.  They 
know  it,  and  feel  that  not  being  with  them  I  am 
against  them.  As  for  Hagar,  she  never  knew, 


272  HILTON    HALL. 

nor  her  mother  before  her,  anything  but  envy, 
hatred  and  malice.  She  never  said  or  did  any- 
thing that  was  not  ill-natured.  She  has  the 
worst  manners,  and  her  intimate  associates  are 
like  herself,  her  true  chameleons,  ever  ready 
to  stuff  and  gorge  themselves  at  other  people's 
expense.  She  is  beneath  my  contempt.  She  and 
her  mother  have  jointed  noses.  Every  now  and 
then  their  mouth  will  disappear.  You  turn  to  the 
side  of  their  face.  There  it  is,  inspecting  their 
ears,  not  gone  for  good,  just  shifting  to  rest  a 
little.  I  believe  such  a  nose  indicates  a  disposi- 
tion to  watch,  pry  and  molest  one's  neighbors. 
I  have  been  told  they  are  all  going  to  swear 
against  me,  but  the  judges  must  investigate,  and 
they  are  not  fools,  but  very  wise  men." 

The  next  time  she  called  at  her  aunt's  an  old 
negress,  who  had  been  a  servant  in  the  family 
many  years,  had  called,  telling  her  aunt  that  she 
had  been  waiting  on  the  table  for  a  widow 
woman,  who  lived  on  the  Avenue,  who  had  com- 
pany from  North  Parma.  The  pastor  and  family 
of  -  — ,  and  a  number  of  the  members  of  his 
church.  All  the  conversation  had  been  about 
Helen.  They  said  that  she  had  sent  obscene  let- 
ters through  the  mail.  They  were  going  to  put 
her  behind  the  bars  for  life,  and  take  her  money 
to  buy  an  organ.  Said  the  colored  lady,  "I  don't 
believe  she  did  it,  and  hurried  up  to  tell  you. 
He  ain't  no  Christian,  and  don't  read  his 


HILTON    HALL.  273 

Bible,  or  he  would  know  God  said,  'Thou  shalt 
not  kill,'  and  they  are  doing  worse  by  the  child, 
plotting  to  rob  her  of  her  freedom." 

Said  her  aunt,  "Helen  never  makes  mischief, 
nor  does  she  ever  talk  obscenely.  If  she  comes 
before  the  commissioner,  we  know  him  to  be  the 
soul  of  honor,  and  he  will  be  just.  Helen  must 
remain  and  vindicate  herself.  Never  knew  that 
such  mean  people  lived  in  the  vicinity  of  Roch- 
ester; so  many  to  say  mean  things,  and  to  tell 
her  to  prove  it,  throwing  on  her  the  burden  and 
the  strain  of  demonstrating  her  innocence,  and 
punishing  her  as  guilty  if  unable  to  clear  up  and 
silence  their  deadly  gossip  and  slander." 

Some  weeks  passed  and  Helen  received  notice 
that  she  must  go  to  New  York  City  for  the  cross- 
examination.  Just  at  the  same  time  she  received 
a  letter  from  the  Deputy,  that  she  must  appear 
before  the  commissioner,  to  answer  to  a  charge 
made  by  Hagar  Robb,  for  sending  obscene  letters 
through  the  mail. 

She  answered  she  would  appear  at  her  earliest 
convenience,  and  wired  her  lawyers,  who  wrote, 
her  to  remain  silent.  If  there  was  any  trouble: 
they  would  come  to  Rochester  and  begin  suit  to 
recover  the  stolen  letters. 

Several  of  the  Parma  people  wished  to  see  the 
letter  Helen  had  viritten.  She  kept  a  copy,  and 
did  not  send  the  others  through  the  mail,  but  gave 
it  to  Mrs  Bank's  sister,  with  the  request  that  she 


274  HILTON    HALL. 

would  hand  it  to  them.  Afterward,  when  they 
had  forged  to  suit  themselves,  they  brought  it  to 
Parma  and  asked  the  post-mistress  to  stamp  it. 
Helen  also  read  it  to  the  teacher  and  Mrs.  True, 
saying,  "When  one  is  justly  indignant  they  may 
use  strong  language." 

"June,  1892.  Cousins  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bank: 
You  said  to  me,  'Hagar  must  not  lie  there  and 
suffer.  I  wish  you  to  know  the  teacher  and  I 
did  everything,  waiting  upon  her  until  eleven 
o'clock''  at  night,  cooking,  sweeping,  dusting, 
churning,  and  assisting  about  all  necessary  work. 
You  all  urged  me  to  board  here,  when  I  could 
have  done  much  better.  My  sojourn  here  has 
been  most  unpleasant.  But  for  breaking  friends 
with  you  all,  should  have  left  here  long  ago.  She 
is  exacting,  even  asking  fo%r  pay  if  she  invites 
me  to  take  a  glass  of  lemonade,  and  demands 
extra  pay  if  any  one  calls  to  see  me,  while  she 
will  not  throw  off  one  cent  if  I  am  absent  a 
month  and  six  weeks  at  a  time.  She  will  say  to 
me,  'Lend  me  this  or  give  me  that.'  She  charges 
me  one  dollar  per  week  more  than  she  agreed  to 
board  me  for,  and  then  has  the  gall  to  tell  people 
I  am  a  servant.  I  cannot  understand  her  conduct, 
unless  she  is  angry  because  I  offended  her  niece, 
who  was  visiting  me  while  I  lived  at  Rochester. 
In  talking  of  her  beau,  I  said,  'Don't  trust  him, 
Miss  Robb,  until  you  are  sure  of  him.  He  pays 
several  girls  the  same  attention  he  does  you.' 


HILTON    HALL.  275 

They  abused  me  in  a  shameful  manner.  I  apolo- 
gized all  round,  but  only  received  insult.  Now  I 
don't  care  for  them.  You  all  know  why  I  am  liv- 
ing East.  You  know  just  upon  what  terms  I 
boarded  with  your  sister.  When  1  left  your  house 
I  imagined  we  were  all  friends  as  well  as  distantly 
related;  but  after  I  left  was  informed  that  I  must 
not  think  that  I  could  take  tea  with  you  every 
now  and  then,  as  that  was  not  the  way  to  get 
rich.  la  the  six  years  since  I  left,  have  not  been 
invited  to  dine  with  you.  Hagar  tells  that  all 
these  years  you  have  kept  me  out  of  charity.  I 
have  paid  promptly  for  every  favor.  Please  give 
me  a  receipt  in  full. 

"HELEN  DOTY  HILTON." 

Hagar  filled  the  house  with  company  about 
two  months  after,  brought  the  letter  saying, 
pleasantly  and  smilingly,  "Helen  did  you  write 
this?" 

"Yes'" 

"Then,"  said  she,  "I  wish  to  read  to  the  com- 
pany, and  she  began  composing,  reading  not  one 
word  of  the  letter. 

Then  Helen  left  the  room,  and  refused  to, 
speak  to  her  again. 

Coming  before  the  Commissioner,  Hagar  made 
grave  assertions.  She  had  as  witnesses  some  of 
Harry  Robb's  family.  Hagar  kept  saying,  "Hal 


276  HILTON   HALL. 

remember  now  just  what  your  ma  told  you  to 
say. " 

"Yes,  maam." 

She  had  some  obscene  matter,  but  what,  Helen 
never  knew;  but  she  swore  she  received  the  postal- 
card  through  a  neighbor,  who  brought  it  to  her. 
It  was  a  scurrilous  attack,  and  implied,  first,  that 
she  was  a  thief;  second,  it  threatened  her,  two 
grave  offences  against  the  law.  "Ah,"  said  the 
judge,  "you  know  the  law." 

"Yes,  sir." 

"You  do,  do  you?" 

"Yes.  Mr.  Pew  told  me  all  about  it  and  just 
what  I  can  do." 

The  judge  asked  Helen  if  she  knew  when  she 
mailed  the  postal. 

She  replied  she  could  not  give  the  date,  but 
was  sure  it  was  on  Monday,  at  four  o'clock,  and 
that  Mrs.  Robb  and  Mrs.  Pew  took  it  out  of  the 
office  in  less  than  ten  minutes  after  she  dropped 
it  into  the  box. 

He  said  her  wrongs  were  great,  but  it  was 
against,  the  law  to  accuse  a  person  on  paper. 
Her  threat  was  the  mildest  he  ever  knew  after 
such  injuries.  She  must  call  a  lawyer,  which  she 
did,  and  in  a  few  moments  Mrs.  Robb  had  denied 
every  assertion  that  she  had  made. 

Helen  promised  the  judge  that  she  would  go 
to  Buffalo  when  court  convened,  should  she  be 
sent  for,  and  returned  home. 


HTLTON  HALL.  277 

Upon  reaching  there,  she  found  Hagar  had 
gone  via  Spencerport,  and  told  that  she  had  been 
dragged  from  the  judge's  room,  chained  to  a 
detective;  also  that  in  the  morning  a  large  major- 
ity of  the Church  had  assembled  at  the 

depot  to  see  her  chained  to  the  deputy.  She  saw 
a  large  gathering  and  received  quietly  their  gross 
jeers,  the  pastor's  wife  among  them;  but  it  did 
not  hurt  her.  She  considered  them  lower  than 
the  Diggers,  wickeder  that  the  Sioux,  and  trickier 
than  the  Camanches  Indians,  and  she  had  seen 
all  tribes. 

Quite  a  number  of  the  people  came  to  her  and 
wished  her  to  know  they  did  not  approve  of  what 
had  passed. 

She  never  heard  from  the  courts  again. 

Helen  never  blamed  Mrs.  Bank,  as,  until  she 
became  insane,  she  was  a  kind,  sympathizing 
friend,  and  had  she  been  in  her  right  mind, 
would  have  tried  to  stop  the  outrage;  but,  like 
insane  people,  she  took  a  violent  fancy  to  those 
she  hated,  and  an  intense  dislike  to  her  friends. 

Helen  now  proceeded  to  New  York  City, 
where  the  judge  introduced  her  to  Mr.  Jones,  and 
where  she  passed  the  crucial  test. 

Mrs.  Robb's  fiendish  act  had  given  her  a  slight 
hint  of  what  she  must  pass  through.  She  resolved 
not  to  lose  her  temper,  no  matter  what  happened. 
But  after  nine  hours  the  first  day,  and  six  hours 
the  second,  when  the  judge  grasped  her  hand, 


278  HILTON   HALL. 

saying  the  examination  was  concluded  and  she 
had  not  crossed  herself  once,  she  breathed  a  sigh 
of  relief.  The  judge  now  said  he  was  surprised 
that  nothing  had  happened  to  Mr.  Hilton.  His 
conduct  had  been  demoniacal. 

She  told  him  that  she  had  never  told  her 
friends  what  she  had  passed  through.  That  a 
rumor  reached  Judge  Doty  that  Mr.  Hilton  was  a 
married  man.  He  had  signed  his  death  warrant; 
but  some  friends  of  the  judge  called  telling  him 
Helen  adored  Mr.  Hilton,  and  to  kill  him  would 
break  her  heart.  Then  he  granted  him  a  reprieve, 
and  died  before  he  had  time  to  investigate.  The 
news  had  killed  her  grandma,  who  thought  he 
was  perfect.  Her  mother  had  never  spoken  his 
name  unless  compelled  to,  and  she  is  one  who 
never  talks  when  troubled.  Her  sisters  said  that 
sometimes  when  she  heard  of  Mr.  Hilton's  mean- 
ness she  would  walk  the  floor  all  night.  She  is  a 
person  who  thinks  if  one  is  in  good  company 
he  must  be  good;  and  it  has  been  hard  for  her 
to  believe  he  is  a  knave  instead  of  the  gentleman 
we  all  believed  him  to  be;  but  thinks  it  would  be 
a  disgrace  to  the  family  to  tak£  vengeance 
upon  him. 

He  said,  "I  respect  your  parents  more  for 
that.  Had  you  been  my  daughter,  I  would  have 
filled  that  man  so  full  of  bullets  they  could  not 
have  lifted  him  into  his  coffin  for  the  weight 
of  him." 


HILTON    HALL.  279 

1  'Thou  shalt  not  kill;'  and  it  is  wisest  and 
best  that  they  did  not  molest  him.  The  sym- 
pathy turns  the  moment  a  man  is  dead." 

Said  he,  "We  hear  much  of  the  customs  of 
the  Mormon  people.  How  do  they  manage  to 
bring  up  such  large  families?  A  small  one  is  all 
I  can  control.  Should  judge  their  larder  would 
always  be  empty." 

She  replied,  "They  live  by  economy;  but  they 
have  some  dark  cellars  where  they  hide  the  apples 
for  spring;  but  the  children  find  them  just  the 
same. " 

Helen  now  returned  to  Mrs.  Clive's,  to  wait 
until  Mr.  Hilton  should  return.  He  had  been 
absent  a  year.  They  would  put  a  spy  upon  the 
house,  as  just  before  he  returned  it  would  be 
cleaned  and  aired.  Mr.  Jones  would  wire  her 
when  she  was  to  come  to  New  Hampshire. 


280  HILTON    HALL. 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 


LACONIC. 

"He  that  will  do  all  that  he  cau  lawfully,  would,  if  he 
durst,  do  something  that  is  not  lawful." — -J,  Taylor. 

"Ferdinand  Mendez  Pinto  was  but  a  type  of  thee,  thou 
liar  of  the  first  magnitude." — Congreve. 

Winter  had  passed.  A  sunny  afternoon  in 
April  invites  Helen  to  take  a  walk,  when  a  mes- 
senger calls  with  a  telegram  from  Mr.  Jones, 

"Start  immediately  for    New    Hampshire.      Wire 

what  train." 

She  took  her  papers  and  left  for  Rochester. 
Early  morning  found  her  on  the  way.  She  stop- 
ped at  the  Revier  Hotel  in  Boston,  and  was 
recognized  by  the  clerk,  although  so  many  years 
had  passed  since  she  had  been  there. 

She  also  met  some  old  friends  of  hers,  as  well 
as  Mr.  Hilton's,  who  said  they  were  at  his  place 
of  business  in  New  York  City  at  the  time  he 
received  the  letter  from  Salt  Lake  City,  notifying 
him  that  she  was  about  to  bring  suit  for  divorce 
and  alimony.  He  started  to  his  feet;  his  face 
was  livid,  and  with  great  drops  of  perspiration 
starting  on  his  brow,  he  paced  up  and  down  the 
floor,  lost  in  thought.  At  length  he  ejaculated, 


HILTON   HALL.  281 

"Yes,  it  is  a  desperate  venture  to  leave  my  busi- 
ness just  now;  but  I  will  risk  it,  if  this  story  is 
rumored  abroad.  I  must  leave  America  for  the 
present,  at  l*ast  until  this  affair  has  blown  over. 
I  can  sail  for  Europe  instead  of  sending  my 
agent  as  I  intended  to  do.  The. business  there 
will  require  my  presence  soon.  I'll  go  now,  and 
while  arranging  my  affairs  escape  this  little  suit." 
He  sailed  from  Boston,  and  took  Selina  with  him. 

At  the  time  he  left  Helen  in  New  York,  with 
the  promise  to  return  in  three  days,  Judge  Bridge- 
wood,  who  has  gotten  him  out  of  many  a  scrape, 
advised  him,  as  he  could  not  secure  a  legal 
release  from  the  obligations  of  his  marriage 
vows — being  unable  to  bring  aught  against  her, 
she  having  faithfully  performed  her  plighted 
faith — for  him  to  close  out  his  New  York  places 
of  business,  take  up  his  residence  in  New  Hamp- 
shire, prevent  her  ascertaining  his  whereabouts 
for  five  years,  and  she  could  whistle  for  all  the 
courts  of  America  would  ever  do  for  her.  She 
would  be  ruined  socially,  finding  nothing  but 
pity  or  ostracism. 

Hilton  did  so  with  fear  and  trembling.  But 
his  wealth  was  enormous.  He  had  given  some 
elaborate  presents  to  the  town,  so  there  was  no 
need  for  a  sudden  reform,  and  there  had  been 
none,  as  in  the  past,  so  he  lived  now. 

Helen  said,  "No  doubt  their  regard  for  him 
grew  daily,  as  his  wealth  increased." 


282  HILTON    HALL. 

After  spending  the  remainder  of  the  day  doing 
the  city,  she  took  the  evening  train  for  New 
Hampshire,  arriving  at  eleven  o'clock  at  Laconia, 
where  her  lawyer  was  waiting  for  her. 

The  city  stands  in  a  lovely  valley,  encircled 
by  the  mountains  and  intersected  by  three  beauti- 
ful bays  of  the  Winnipiseogee,  as  pretty  a  spot 
as  you  will  find  in  many  a  day's  travel.  There 
was  a  friendly  echo  to  every  sound.  Helen  slept 
late,  but  found  the  day  clear  and  quite  warm. 

The  ladies  of  New  Hampshire  are  in  general 
below  the  common  height,  and  dainty  in  propor- 
tion, and  in  all  the  New  England  towns  she 
noticed  the  great  regard  for  cleanliness. 

She  was  questioned  in  regard  to  all  the  let- 
ters, then  signed  her  prayer  for  divorce  and 
alimony,  claiming  desertion.  The  papers  were 
recorded.  Then  her  lawyers  drove  over  to  Hilton 
Hall  to  serve  them  upon  Donnallen. 

It  was  now  ten  years  since  Helen  visited  the 
town.  Donnallen  had  grown  stout,  and  in  his 
countenance  was  neither  care  nor  thought;  or 
rather,  the  lines  about  his  mouth  did  not  indicate 
hallowed  thoughts.  His  mien  was  loftier  and 
less  harsh  than  in  former  days,  but  he  had  not 
gained  in  dignity.  In  fact,  he  never  possessed 
any.  It  was  Friday.  He  and  Selina  sat  in  the 
extensive  drawing-room,  which  was  gorgeously 
furnished.  There  was  no  quiet  grandeur;  there 
were  no  books  or  anything  about  to  indicate  intel- 


HILTON    HALL.  283 

lectual  taste  or  refinement,  but  it  commanded 
sublime  views  of  landscape.  They  do  not  sur- 
round themselves  with  educated  people,  but  with 
those  who  are  eager  to  flatter  them  upon  every 
occasion,  which  is  all  they  desire. 

The  papers  were  handed  to  him,  and  as  he 
broke  the  seal  the  lawyers  retired. 

He  said,  "Great  God!  It's  a  lie!  She  ain't 
here!  Well,  I  never  yet  failed  in  one  of  my 
plans,  and  I'll  take  pains  not  to  fail  now." 

He  sent  for  his  lawyers,  and  sat  thinking  of 
his  own  perfidy. 

When  told  why  they  were  sent  for,  the  lawyers 
exclaimed,  "It  can't  be.  She  would  not  dare 
beard  the  lion  in  his  den." 

Mr.  Hilton  was  not  handsome  now.  He  was 
suffering  with  a  hideous  purple  eruption  which 
had  just  reached  an  unpleasant  stage. 

His  lawyers  sent  for  Messrs.  Jones  and  Paul, 
and  Helen's  counselor,  Judge  Winters,  known  as 
the  "Oracle  of  the  Court-room"  as  well  as  for  his 
classic  speaeh,  famous  for  the  Websterian  majesty 
of  its  periods. 

Mr.  Hilton's  lawyers  said,  "Gentlemen,  Mr. 
Hilton  authorized  us  to  ask  your  client's  price  to 
settle  this  blackmailing  scheme.  She  is  an  im- 
postor, a  disreputable  woman  of  Nebraska,  who 
claims  to  be  a  grandchild  of  Judge  Doty,  to  give 
her  notoriety.  Mr.  Hilton  will  bring  evidence  of 
this.  In  fact,  we  cac  show  you  a  receipt,  signed 


284  HILTON    HALL. 

by  her  own  hand,  where  she  admits  the  statement 
made  by  him." 

Judge  Winters:  "She  is  a  lady,  and  has  given 
us  indisputable  evidence  that  she  is  just  what  she 
claims  to  be — the  wife  of  Donnallen  Hilton  and 
the  grandchild  of  Judge  Doty;  also  that  there  was 
no  misunderstanding,  he  simply  deserted  her." 

Mr.  Hilton's  lawyer,  Mr.  Moor:  "She  is  a 
liar.  Here  is  a  letter  from  her  saying  she  has 
been  told  of  a  former  marriage,  and  that  Hon. 
Donnallen  Hilton  has  marrried  children.  I  have 
been  his  solicitor  for  fifteen  years,  was  raised  in 
this  town,  and  never  heard  of  any  wife  or  chil- 
dren other  than  Selina;  and  I  have  been  weeks 
at  a  time  at  his  residence." 

Messrs.  Paul  &  Jones:  "You  know,  do  you, 
So  and  So,  who  are  about  our  ages?" 

"Yes." 

"Well,  those  people  are  the  children  of  Lucy 
Hilton,  who  lived  there  at  the  time  you  mention. 
We  know  them  well,  as  they  attended  school  with 
us.  Now,  are  you  acquainted  with  Mr.  Hilton's 
handwriting?  If  so,  read  that  letter  and  give  us 
your  opinion." 

Messrs.  Moo^r  &  Smith  replied,  "It  is  fortunate 
it  came  now.  Had  she  presented  this  to  the 
courts,  at  his  death  she  would  have  taken  posses- 
sion of  all.  Had  the  lawyers  she  consulted 
known  anything  of  law  in  New  Hampshire,  and 
taken  the  trouble  to  read  this  letter,  when  he  ran 


HILTON   HALL.  285 

to  Egypt  to  escape  the  suit,  they  could  have 
placed  her  in  possession  of  everything  he  owned. 
The  law  gives  it  to  a  woman  if  the  man  runs." 

"You  are  convinced,  are  you,,  that  we  have 
not  undertaken  a  blackmailing  scheme?" 

After  it  dawned  on  them  that  Helen  was  really 
there  on  his  native  heath,  and  meant  business, Mr. 
Hilton  said,  speaking  of  one  high  in  office,  "My 
friend  has  passed  through  it;  I'll  let  that  thought 
strengthen  me. " 

A  friend  told  Helen  that  she  was  making  Mr. 
Hilton  sweat  as  no  Russian  bath  ever  did, 
and  that  he  would  gladly  settle  upon  any  terms. 
But  there  were  no  terms  upon  which  she  would 
settle. 

Hearing  this,  he  now  insulted  his  lawyers  by 
sending  for  Helen's  old  enemy,  Judge  Bridge- 
wood;  then  insulted  him  by  sending  to  Boston 
for  an  eminent  lawyer,  telling  them  they  must 
spare  no  pains  to  prevent  her  receiving  either 
divorce  or  alimony. 

This  they  fought  and  wrangled  for  a  month  to 
accomplish,  saying  Mr.  Hilton  had  found  the 
family  beggars,  and  her  parents  had  enticed  him 
to  take  her  for  his  own  purposes. „ 

All  this  Helen  was  able  to  prove  false  by  the 
men  with  whom  her  father  did  business.  They 
had  lived  where  prices  were  exhorbitant,  but  had 
always  had  comforts  and  many  luxuries.  Her 
father's  books  showed  that  his  business  with 


286  HILTON   HALL 

Wells  Fargo  &  Co.  alone  amounted  to  over  four 
hundred  thousand  dollars,  while  in  his  hotel  he 
sometimes  in  one  day  took  in  five  hundred  dol- 
lars; but  some  of  the  time  sugar  was  one  dollar  a 
pound,  tea  five,  and  everything  in  proportion, 
and  his  family  was  large;  but  she  had  never 
known  privation  until  she  came  to  New  York, 
nor  had  Mr.  Hilton  ever  sent  her  a  book,  music, 
bouquet,  fruit  or  candy,  or  spent  a  penny  for 
her  amusement,  until  he  took  her  to  see  the  West- 
ern Sisters  play  in  New  York  City.  Prior  to  that 
the  tickets  had  been  presented  to  him  for  the 
two,  and  only  twice  had  they  had  a  drive,  then  a 
friend  lent  him  the  horse  and  carriage.  When 
she  asked  for  a  drive,  he  always  answered,  "It  is 
too  expensive  a  luxury  for  us,  dear."  He  twice 
sent  her  fruit,  collect  on  delivery,  by  stage  coach, 
the  charges  for  the  decayed  fruit  each  time  being 
one  hundred  dollars.  She  insisted  it  was  not  to 
occur  again,  as,  had  it  come  direct,  it  would  have 
been  unfit  to  eat,  after  two  weeks'  jolting  in  the 
bottom  of  the  stage. 

He  gave  her  on  the  anniversary  of  her  seven- 
teenth birthday  a  pair  of  earrings  and  brooch, 
which  he  took  in  trade.  They  cost  in  New  Yoik 
City,  where  he  bought  them,  eighteen  dollars. 
When  eighteen  he  gave  her  an  album;  and  when 
nineteen  a  sky  scraper,  sending  by  express,  for 
her  to  pay  the  charges,  which  were  forty-five  dol- 
lars. The  bonnet  cost  five  dollars.  They  all 


HILTON    HALL.  287 

made  fun  of  it,  and  used  it  for  a  scrap  basket. 
At  her  wedding  he  presented  her  with  a  tiny  tor- 
toise-shell purse,  containing  a  five*cent  piece  and 
three  new  pennies.  Sometimes  he  gave  Helen 
presents  to  send  her  friends;  but  always  said, 
"Now,  if  you  will  remain  at  home  a  year,  not 
attend  the  theatre,  opera  or  concert,  nor  ride  in 
the  street  car  where  you  can  walk,  you  may  have 
fifty  dollars  to  give  away." 

Bill  Adams'  sister-in-law  sent  Helen  a  sugar- 
heart,  large  as  a  plate,  with  this  written  upon 
the  paper,  "As  large  and  sweet  as  his  heart  for 
you."  After  the  purse  and  the  eight  cents,  no 
wonder  the  family  were  afraid  she  would  ruin 
him  financially. 

Helen,  from  ihe  time  she  was  eight  years  old, 
received  from  her  grand-parents  and  her  father 
handsome  presents.  Ere  she  was  twelve,  she  had 
jewels,  a  handsome  watch,  and  a  piano,  and  all 
those  things  girls  covet,  and  not  pinchback 
jewelry  either. 

Judge  Doty  often  befriended  men.  Sometimes 
they  were  grateful.  One  judge  from  Washington, 
D.  C.,  sent  Helen  nearly  fifty  dollars  worth  of 
music,  selecting  all  of  it  himself,  and  sent  it  by 
some  emigrants. 

Another  gentleman  from  London  sent  her  the 
"Clans  of  Scotland,"  and  other  books,  bound  in 
Russia.  So  you  see  she  was  not  apt  to  be  dazzled 
b)'  penny  gifts. 


288  HILTON   HALL. 

While  the  judges  were  fighting  she  would  walk 
about  the  hills  to  see  the  views,  and  one  day  took 
the  cars  to  on£  of  the  summer  resorts.  It  was  in 
a  valley,  covered  by  a  dense  forest.  The  railroad 
ran  along  the  margin  of  the  lake;  there  was  a 
tiny  depot,  and  a  landing  for  the  boats.  She 
ran  to  this  and  saw  what  seemed  to  be  thick  ice. 
She  supposed  so  large  a  lake  had  a  beach,  so 
planting  one  foot  firmly  on  the  landing,  she  step- 
ped on  the  ice  with  the  other,  to  feel  it  give  way. 
It  was  all  porous  underneath,  and  floated  away  at 
her  touch.  She  looked  into  the  placid  depth?, 
then  took  a  pebble  and  dropped  it  into  the  clear 
water,  counting  until  it  was  out  of  sight,  and 
judged  the  depth  to  be  thirty  or  forty  feet.  She 
breathed  a  prayer  of  thankfulness  that  she  had  not 
stepped  with  both  feet  upon  the  ice,  as  she  was 
entirely  alone,  and  would  have  drowned.  Then 
how  the  papers  would  have  recounted  the  story 
of  the  suicide,  who  came  there  to  malign  a  gra- 
cious gentleman  of  New  Hampshire,  and  finding 
the  suit  going  against  her,  plunged  into  the 
depths  of  the  Winnipiseogee.  Moral,  Try  before 
you  trust. 

Climbing  upon  some  granite  boulders,  she 
would  have  a  glorious  view  of  Mount  Washing- 
ton. She  had  some  kind  friends  who  condoled 
or  rejoiced  with  her,  as  she  was  sorrowful  or 
glad.  One  lady  said  she  was  so  sorry  the  people 


HILTON    HALL.  289 

at addressed  her  as  old  woman;  hut  it  was 

Eastleigh's  fault,  and  he  was  now  dead. 

Helen  replied  that  old  age  was  honorable;  but 
she  was  not  old,  and  woman  was  the  highest  title 
they  could  give  her.  The  Savior  called  His 
mother -woman,  and  Homer,  the  poet,  wishing  to 
compliment  a  great  queen,  called  her  "A  womanly 
queen. " 

Woman  means  everything  that  is  gracious, 
brave,  lovely,  refined  and  Christian.  We  must 
dissuade  ourselves  of  the  idea  that  it  is  not  cour- 
teous. Lady  is  a  later  term,  derived  from  the 
German,  and  means  bread-giver,  and  Helen  was 
entitled  to  the  term  for  several  generations  back. 
Petty  insolence  does  not  hurt  her. 

She  now  determined  to  find  out  for  herself  if 
the  rumors  and  statements  in  reference  to  Mr. 
Hilton  and  family  were  true,  and  became  clever. 
Sne  could  not  meet  the  members  of  the  family, 
for  they  all  knew  her  and  were  cunning;  but  she 
met  many  of  their  intimate  associates,  and 
learned  that  all  she  had  been  told  was  true,  and 
not  the  half  had  been  revealed  to  her.  She  held 
a  long  conversation  with  the  son  and  daughter  of 
Lucy  Hilton.  Through  half  a  score  of  their 
school  friends,  and  through  an  old  nurse  of  the 
family,  she  learned  that  Lucy  Hilton  knew  all  the 
time  of  his  courtship  of  Helen.  She  said  she 
would  not  let  jealousy  overcome  her.  She  would 
treat  the  matter  with  disdain  and  contempt,  as 


290  HILTON   HALL. 

altogether  beneath  her  notice.  She  would  c"o  all 
in  her  power  to  attract  him,  and  when  his  appe- 
tite was  satiated  with  this  pink-skinned  Western 
girl,  he  would  return  to  her  again. 

But  long  before  he  grew  weary  of  Helen  he 
had  taken  up  with  this  crafty,  jealous,  cruel  and 
cunning  Selina,  who  boasted  that  she  would  pluck 
the  golden  goose,  and  she  had  her  pa  to  back  her, 
who  had  much  more  faith  in  a  horsewhip  than  in 
the  efficacy  of  the  law,  and  he  was  right.  But 
Helen  was  avenged. 

That  this  woman  of  doubtful  reputation  and 
her  boy  occupied  a  very  different  position  from 
Lucj  will  at  once  be  apparent  when  we  remark 
that  they  were  among  Donnallen's  foremost  objects 
of  affection,  and  received  more  civility  from  his 
associates  than  even  his  children. 

Lucy's  children  said  their  father  brought  the 
girl  into  the  house  years  before  their  mother  died, 
and  said  the  boy,  "The  d —  -  brute  compelled 
my  sister  to  say  she  was  her  companion.  He 
took  her  to  Europe  in  the  70's,  and  compelled 
them  to  say  she  was  a  traveling  companion.  I 
hate  him  so  that  I  would  walk  a  mile  out  of  my 
way  when  cold  and  weary,  before  I  would  meet 
him  and  say,  'Good  day.'  He  is  as  big  a  fool  as 
he  is  brute.  He  is  that  creature's  slave;  but  she 
commands  him  to  say  that  their  lives  are  one  long 
honeymoon,  like  the  ivy  without  an  end." 

Some  of  the  town   boys    said  she    told   him  to 


HILTON    HALL.  291 

marry  off  his  non  compos  mentis  young  ones 
before  she  came  there,  and  to  fix  the  thing  so  it 
would  not  interfere  with  her  taking  possession  of 
his  millions. 

He  called  Lucy's  children  in,  telling  them 
their  mother's  third  of  his  millions  would  amount 
to  about  twenty  thousand  dollars,  ten  thousand 
each.  Would  they  take  that  sum  and  sign  a 
receipt  never  to  touch  any  more  while  he  lived, 
nor  after  him. 

They  did  so,  telling  their  friends  they  were 
now  millionaires.  Then  the  young  friends  ex- 
plained what  their  mother's  third  would  be,  and 
the  boys  said,  "Dammit, let  him  and  that  creature 
keep  his  money  and  that  great  charnel  house;  I 
would  not  live  in  it  for  all  it  contains." 

The  people  were  so  dazzled  with  that  impostor 
of  Selina's,  they  could  not  half  appreciate  Lucy 
Hilton's  children.  Helen  learned  those  men  who 
would  not  permit  Donnallen  to  touch  their  coat 
sleeve  when  passing  them,  had  found  their 
stomach,  and  could  dine  with  him  at  any  time, 
and  they  admired  the  sterling  stick-to-it-iveness 
with  which  he  and  Bill  had  made  their  perform 
ance  respectable  and  to  reach  a  magnitude  that 
placed  them  upon  the  highest  round  of  the  social 
ladder. 

She  was  given  views  of  the  interior  of  Hilton 
Hall,  and  minute  descriptions  of  the  furniture, 
and  discovered  that  all  those  tens  of  thousands 


292  HILTON   HALL. 

of  dollars  invested  in  pictures,  statues,  curios 
and  furniture,  that  she  had  selected  in  1863  for 
Mr.  Bracket,  up  country,  worth  a  mint  of  money, 
who  was  building  a  smashing  big  house,  were 
purchased  for  Hilton  Hall,  and  he  was  the  man. 
Her  disgust  was  beyond  expression. 

When  she  came  to  New  Hampshire,  in  1883,  his 
town  was  a  small  place,  with  a  few  hundred  inhabi- 
tants; now  the}'  numbered  several  thousand.  He 
arranged  for  large  excursions  there  on  his  rail- 
roads, giving  his  grounds  for  pic-nics,  and  had 
induced  many  people  to  come  there  and  settle, 
buying  land  of  him,  of  which  he  had  hundreds  of 
acres.  So  many  people  coming,  enabled  all  who 
had  property  to  make  a  handsome  profit,  and 
they  now  idolized  him  as  the  founder  of  their 
fortunes.  While  this  information  was  being 
obtained,  the  seven  lawyers  were  fighting  like 
tigers.  Donnallen  had  brought  forward  plot  after 
plot,  each  more  fiendish  than  the  last;  then 
what  he  believed  to  be  his  "coup  de  grace,"  an 
unopened  letter  from  Mr.  Tarpit,  of  Richmond, 
Va.,  addressed  to  Helen,  and  sent  to  him  at  his 
office  in  New  York  City. 

Said  the  judge,  "Why  did  you  keep  it  so 
carefully.  Why  did  you  not  send  it  to  her" 

Mr.  Tarpit  proved  to  be  hired  by  Donnallen, 
and  the  man  at  the  boarding-house,  who  was  his 
friend,  was  one  of  Dnnallen's  illicit  distillery 
agents.  When  Mr.  Tarpit's  attentions  caused 


HILTON   HALL.  293 

Helen  so  much  trouble,  she  appealed  to  two  gen- 
tlemen, who  protected  her  from  him. 

She  now  wrote  to  them,  receiving  a  reply 
from  one  that  he  would  help  her  now  as  willingly 
as  he  did  when  she  was  so  much  in  need  of  a 
friend.  But  Mr.  Free  was  dead.  Helen  took  his 
letter  to  Mr.  Jones,  and  he  went  to  Judge  Win- 
ters' office  to  see  what  had  happened  in  the 
meantime. 

They  argued  over  the  Tarpit  letter  from  Fri- 
day morning  until  six  o'clock  on  Sunday  morn- 
ing, without  stopping  for  a  mouthful  of  refresh- 
ments. Helen  told  Mr.  Jones  to  come  to  her  with 
every  new  stratagem,  as  she  knew  Mr.  Hilton's 
tricks  better  than  he  did.  Do  not  waste  your 
time  until  you  see  if  I  cannot  aid  you. 

He  replied  Mr.  Paul  had  requested  them  not 
to  cause  her  unnecessary  worry,  as  it  would  be 
very  hard  for  her  when  she  was  called  upon  the 
stand. 

She  now  walked  down  to  the  bay,  where  the 
people  loved  to  watch  the  sunset.  The  views 
were  delightful.  She  lingered  tonight  until  the 
waves  were  flashing  like  silver  sheen  in  the  moon- 
light; then  she  walked  slowly  to  her  hotel. 

Helen  frequently  chatted  with  an  old  gentle- 
man whom  she  met.  Did  not  know  his  name. 
She  asked  him  if  he  knew  Mr.  Hilton.  He 
replied,  since  he  was  a  boy.  He  made  his  start 
in  life,  then  returned  home,  invested  in  land  all 


294  HILTON   HALL. 

over  the  state,  then  waited  until  he  could  com- 
mand his  own  price.  His  fortune  was  made  in 
the  liquor  traffic.  'Tis  said  he  pays  taxes  on 
seventeen  million  in  New  Hampshire.  He  had 
given  some  presents  to  the  town,  but  to  the  poor 
never  a  penny.  His  present  wife  has  a  very  poor 
sister  here,  but  she  does  not  give  her  even  the 
cast  off  clothing,  which  would  be  most  acceptable. 
I  have  attended  many  of  his  gorgeous  dinners. 
The  table  groans  under  the  weight  of  china,  cut- 
glass,  gold  and  silverware  and  flowers.  At  one 
banquet  this  woman  swept  into  the  room,  her 
purple  velvet  trailing  over  the  carpet,  the  diar- 
mond  stars  in  her  hair  flashing  in  the  light  of  the 
chandeliers,  and  with  contenpt  and  insult  in  her 
voice  she  snubbed  the  old  man,  completely  ignor- 
ing such  guests  as  she  fancied  plebeian.  His 
home  stands  upon  quite  an  eminence.  From  the 
windows  is  a  superb  view.  That  night  a  full 
moon  was  shining  overhead,  with  many  white 
lamps  alight  below  among  the  flowers  and  trees. 
It  was  quite  a  dazzling  picture.  Mr.  Hilton  had 
children  by  a  former  wife,  but,  excepting  two, 
nothing  was  known  of  them  either  as  infants  or 
children.  The  two,  he  spared  no  expense  in  their 
education,  providing  them  with  masters  at  home. 
When  he  took  this  woman  he  married  them  off, 
selecting  such  partners  for  them  as  pleased 
himself." 

Well,  thought  Helen,   there  is  no  doubt  about 


HILTON    HALL.  295 

that  statement,  and  I  am  fated  never  to  hear  the 
last  of  that  dinner. 

Helen  told  him  she  had  seen  Mr.  Hilton,  and 
the  gorgeously  dressed  woman  who  lolled  lazily 
at  his  side.  She  seemed  annoyed  and  astonished 
that  so  few  gave  her  admiring  glances. 

He  asked  Helen  where  she  was  born. 

She  informed  him;  also  that  at  the  age  of  ten 
months  she  was  taken  from  this  luxurious  home 
and  started  on  her  journey  to  the  unknown  West, 
going  with  her  parents  and  grandparents  in  a 
wagon,  crossing  the  Mississippi  upon  a  flat 
boat  or  raft,  while  the  ice  was  breaking  up.  The 
men  with  great  hooks  would  push  the  blocks  of 
ice  out  of  the  way,  which  much  amused  her. 
Landing  on  the  other  side  of  the  river,  they 
pitched  their  tents.  Her  mother  said  when  she 
found  the  earth  not  like  the  soft  carpets  she  was 
accustomed  to  creep  upon,  she  insisted  upon 
walking,  one  step  and  a  fall,  one  step  and  a  fall. 
She  would  cry,  then  try  again.  The  ground  soft 
and  muddy,  it  was  a  great  change  for  the  child 
that  never  had  a  soil  on  her  clothes.  Her  first 
recollection  was  admiration  of  the  alkali  lakes 
sparking  in  the  soft  moonbeams,  with  opaline 
light. 

Messrs.  Jones  &  Paul  now  informed  Helen 
that  Mr.  Hilton's  lawyers  wished  to  continue  the 
suit  for  years.  He  had  vast  wealth,  it  would  be 
fine  for  them.  Judge  Bridgewood  believes  all 


296  HILTON   HALL. 

you  say;  but  says  he  will  grasp  at  straws  to  ruin 
you,  as  he  was  engaged  by  Mr.  Hilton  to  defend 
him  against  you.  We  do  not  know  what  they 
will  spring  upon  us  next;  but  if  the  suit  is  to 
end  soon,  it  must  be  argued  between  courts.  If 
you  wait  until  court  convenes  they  may  delay  it 
for  j-ears. 

She  replied  lack  of  funds  would  compel  her 
to  have  it  argued  at  once. 

Mr.  Jones  said,  "It  has  been  argued  for  ten 
days  before  the  Probate  judge.  You  don't  know 
what  a  time  we  have  had.  Mr.  Hilton's  lawyers 
brought  a  list  of  every  penny  he  has  spent  upon 
you;  a  bottle  of  cough  syrup,  the  price  of  which 
has  been  at  interest  since  1862;  even  the  postage 
stamps,  and  the  salt  you  sprinkled  upon  your 
food  has  been  itemized,  and  the  interest  com- 
pounded. He  also  has  three  receipts,  one  stating 
that  you  were  a  -  — ,  and  for  the  sum  of  ten 
thousand  released  him;  another  for  $14,000,  an- 
other for  $100,000.  His  lawyers  argue  that  for 
the  courts  to  add  to  that  sum  would  be  an 
outrage. " 

Said  she,  "My  husband  never  but  once  re- 
quested a  receipt.  That  was  when  he  gave  me 
the  coupons,  as  he  was  obliged  to  give  a  strict 
account  to  Edward's  heirs.  So  that  Eastleigh 
said  truly,  when  he  told  of  a  receipt  they  had 
obtained  that  would  keep  me  from  squealing. 
Donnallen  must  have  had  two  papers,  and  when 


HILTON    HALL.  297 

he  asked  me  to  sign,  changed  them.  As  for 
the  other  two,  it  is  easy  to  understand  why  Mr. 
Pew  instructed  Mrs.  Hagar  Robb  in  the  art 
of  forgery." 

"You  can  have  him  disbarred.  There  is  a 
code  that  one  using  sharp  practice  to  the  injury 
of  a  client  before  action  begins,  shall  be 
disbarred." 

"Mr.  Hilton  has  kept  all  your  letters  since 
December  of  '68,  and  claims  you  address  him  as 
Mr.  Hilton,  and  that  they  are  affectionate." 

"Yes,  at  school  I  so  addressed  him,  and 
formed  the  habit.  He  wrote  most  gushing  let- 
ters, and  whined  that  mine  were  so  cold.  When 
he  returned  home  his  constant  nagging  on  the 
subject  was  very  exasperating;  but  in  the  winter 
of  '68,  when  he  was  so  kind  as  to  invite  my 
friends  to  stay  with  me,  he  wrote  requesting  me 
to  say  something  kind  to  him.  He  longed  for 
affection.  I  wrote  the  news,  then  copied  his  let- 
ter. His  answer  said,  'Oh,  my  darling,  you 
made  me  so  happy  with  your  dear,  kind  letter. 
Never  again  freeze  my  blood  with  a  line  or  two, 
to  Mr.  Hilton.'  Thinking  I  had  struck  the  right 
cord,  I  continued  in  that  strain. 

"Well  you  see  the  plot  was  laid  for  you,  and 
you  fell  into  the  snare.  Years,  years  before  that 
letter  was  written,  that  damnable  Jekyll  and 
Hyde  planned  that  you  should  write  it." 

"Oh!  to  think  he  could  be  such  a  cheat,    and 


298  HILTON   HALL. 

to  gratify  a  moment's  lust  he  had  broken  in  upon 
my  life  and  wrecked  it.  At  that  very  time  I  could 
have  sent  him  to  keep  Boss  Tweed  company.  To 
think  how  he  would  snivel  and  implore  me  not 
to  speak,  when  he  was  hiding  under  false  names, 
lest  an  explanation  would  lead  to  an  expose.  Yet 
I  have  learned  that  when  Lucy  Hilton  died  in 
1877,  he  gulled  her  children  in  the  same  sneaking 
fashion.  He  came  for  me  in  just  six  months 
after  her  death,  saving,  Let  the  dead  past  bury 
its  dead.'" 

"Well,  he  has  kept  those  letters  in  his  safe- 
deposit  box  all  these  years.  Shall  we  print  them 
for  the  world  to  read. " 

"Yes,  publish  all  of  them." 

"Hagar  Robb  has  stolen  his;  you  will  be 
unable  to  prove  them  copies." 

"Publish  all  of  them.  The  worst  that  can  be 
said  of  them  is  they  are  soft.  I  can  see  through 
the  trick  now,  and  know  those  I  copied  were 
penned  for  him  by  either  Edward  or  Bridge- 
wood.  Remember  meeting  them  and  their  hold- 
ing a  whispered  consultation.  Then  when  Don- 
nallen  left  them  he  said  a  matter  worried  him, 
and  they  had  taken  a  pencil  and  written  how  he 
was  to  manage.  'And  if  anything  should  happen 
to  me,  love,  go  at  once  to  them.  They  are  friends 
of  yours.'  They  are  your  New  England  men. 
How  can  they  be  so  small,  surrounded  by  such 
landscapes  of  mountain,  lake  and  forest.  One 


HILTON   HALL.  299 

would  imagine  the  pure  air  of  the  woods  would 
broaden  them.  Can  you  tell  why  Donnallen, 
when,  again  tempest  tossed,  came  imploring 
my  aid?" 

"Remember  if  ever  again  a  sorrow  comes  to 
him,  he  will  come  to  you.  It's  the  nature  of  such 
rogues." 

"Now  you  have  written  a  postal  calling  him 
a  bigamist.  Bridgewood  is  going  to  make  the 
most  of  it  and  prevent  the  suit  by  proving  you  a 
criminal.  We  may  have  to  send  to  Rochester  for 
a  lawyer.  We  will  defend  you  here." 

Said  Helen,  "Not  one.  I  wrote  a  score  for- 
bidding Donnallen  Hilton's  marriage.  What  is 
the  difference  between  writing  and  rising  up  in  a 
church  and  sa\ing  so.  Well,  I  am  sorry  I  caused 
the  trouble,  but  you  must  defend  me.  The  com- 
missioners have  been  too  severe  with  Moimons 
to  grasp  at  a  straw  to  save  this  man.  I  have 
learned  much  while  you  have  been  wrangling. 
More  than  one  has  offered  to  turn  traitor  to 
them,  even  to  telling  where  the  boy  belongs,  if  it 
should  prove  to  their  advantage.  Such  is  honor 
among  thieves.  Others  have  told  me  they  will 
help  me.  One  man  from  San  Francisco  says  he 
has  only  to  stamp  his  foot  and  they  give  him  the 
sum  he  demands.  Another,  a  gentleman,  told 
me  while  Mr.  Hilton  was  in  California  in  '68,  he 
had  a  woman  and  child  with  him.  The  child  is 
buried  here.  He  gave  me  proof  to  hand  to  you 


300  HILTON   HALL. 

that  the  chilcTwas  not  Mr.  Hilton's  boy.  I  cannot 
leain  that  he  ever  made  one  of  the  women  rich. 
So  if  my^suit  is  public,  you  will  find  it  will  bring 
me  witnesses." 

Said  Mr.  Jones,  "I  have  collected  all  your 
postals.  Your  case  comes  before  the  Supreme 
Court  Judge  in  three  days.  The  letters  may 
cause  a  long  tight  or  may  end  the  suit.  We  have 
fought  for  nine  weeks  to  obtain  you  a  support. 
His  lawyers  are  working  hard  against  you.  They 
have  admitted  that  there  was  not  a  scratch  on  the 
slate  against  your  reputation,  and  the  judges  say 
it  is  the  most  improbable  and  brutal  case  ever 
before  the  courts." 

Said  she,  "I  should  think  they  would  from  his 
millions  provide  me  a  home.  Am  sure  of  suc- 
cess. Have  said  my  prayers,  and  no  one  can 
harm  me." 

Judge  Winters  said,  "It  is  all  very  well  to 
invoke  the  aid  of  Divine  Providence;  but  I 
would  prefer  the  papers." 

On  the  day  appointed,  the  lawyers  and  judges 
assembled  in  the  court-room  at  Concord. 

Mr.  Hilton:  -"I  will  prove  by  her  own  letters 
to  me  that  she  never  was  my  wife.  Will  your 
Honor  observe,  she  addresses  me  as  Mr.  Hilton." 

Supreme  Judge:  "This  court  understands  the 
laws.  We  need  no  prompting  from  you,  Mr. 
Hilton.  Remain  quiet." 

Mr.   Hilton:     "Will  your   Honor    please   read 


HILTON    HALL.  301 

these  letters  from  Mr.  Le  Grand,  and  see  what 
he  thinks?" 

Supreme  Judge:  "We  have  nothing  to  do  with 
Mr.  Le  Grand  or  what  his  sister  thinks  or  says. 
The  question  before  this  court  is  whether  you 
married  the  grand  daughter  of  Judge  Doty,  or 
whether  you  entered  into  a  contract  with  her.  If 
you  did,  we  shall  be  able  to  prove  it  without 
your  assistance." 

Judge  Bridgewood:  "Will  your  Honor  observe 
Mrs.  Hilton  has  broken  the  law.  She  accuses 
Hon.  Donnallen  Hilton  of  having  more  wives 
than  Brigham  Young,  and  has  written  the  asser- 
tion upon  a  postal  card." 

Supreme  Judge:  "Madam  Hilton  was  very 
angry  when  she  wrote  that  postal." 

Judge  Bridgewood:  "Mr.  Hilton  insists  that 
she  is  not  his  wife.  He  states  that-  she  enticed 
him  to  live  with  her.  He  is  very  handsome,  and 
has  been  the  victim  of  unprincipled  women." 

They  looked  at  Mr.  Hilton's  purple-bloched 
face;  then  simply  roared;  even  the  judge  smiled. 

Mr.  Hilton  had  taken  Helen's  postals  to 
Judge  Bridgewood,  with  the  request  that  he  put 
her  behind  the  bars  for  injuring  his  reputation. 
The  judge  replied  he  could  do  nothing,  as  it  was 
the  fiist  oflence.  So  Mr.  Pew  had  been  hired  to 
make  her  repeat  the  offence,  and  Hagar  Robb 
was  a  willing  assistant. 

The  Supreme  Judge    ordered  the  clerk  of  the 


302  HILTON   HALL. 

court  to  shake  up  the  letters,  then  take  a  hatful 
and  read  them  aloud.  When  finished,  he  said: 

"Judge  Bridgewood,  do  you  mean  to  say  Mr. 
Hilton  ever  entered  into  a  contract  with  Mrs. 
Hilton,  or  that  he  settled  with  her?" 

Judge  Bridgewood:  "Judging  from  the  tone  of 
her  letters,  no. " 

"Then,"  said  the  Supreme  Judge,  "Mr.  Hil- 
ton, what  have  you  done  with  the  letters  of 
Madam  Hilton  before  the  marriage  and  for  three 
years  after?  Had  you  preserved  them,  we  could 
better  have  judged  her  character.  These  were 
written  after  she  had  been  for  years  under  your 
influence,  and  to  please  you.  Had  they  not 
pleased  you,  she  would  never  have  penned  the 
second.  She  never  enticed  you,  nor  did  her 
friends  Had  you  received  a  letter  with  one 
word  that  could  have  been  construed  against  her, 
you  would  have  taken  the  same  precious  care  of 
it  that  you  have  of  these,  even  preserving  the 
envelopes.  She  never  dreamed  of  coming  before 
the  courts,  nor  that  her  letters  to  you  were  ever 
seen  by  other  eyes  than  yours.  Yet  you,  years 
before  you  married  her,  carefully  planned  for  this 
day.  Now,  among  all  that  bushel  of  letters,  there 
is  not  one  word  that  shows  that  she  entered  into 
a  contract  with  you,  or  that  you  ever  settled  with 
her.  Mrs.  Helen  Doty  Hilton  is  just  what  she 
claims  to  he — she  is  your  wife." 


HILTON    HALL.  303 


CONCLUSION. 


Of  Mr.  Hilton's  many  wives,  and  those  who 
were  not  such,  none  ever  crossed  Helen's  path, 
except  the  woman  in  black,  Mrs.  Otis,  and  Selina 
Eastleigh. 

The  lovely  Kate  Silverton  sleeps  in  Green- 
wood Cemetery.  Helen  had  an  interview  with 
one  of  the  witnesses  to  her  marriage  to  Mr. 
Hilton. 

Lucy  Hilton  lies  in  New  Hampshire,  on  a 
beautiful  hill.  He  showed  his  cold  gratitude,  by 
setting  up  a  stone  to  her  grave  he  hoped  would 
arouse  the  envy  of  his  neighbors. 

The  pastor's  wife  at  Parma  died.  It  is  said 
the  widow  has  been  transplanted  from  the  Avenue 
in  Rochester  to  the  parsonage,  and  all  are  per- 
fectly satisfied. 

Hagar  Robb.  The  wages  of  sin  have  been 
from  hand  to  mouth.  She  received  small  pay  for 
her  treachery  to  her  relative's  grand-child. 

The  woman  in  black  has  become  a  devout 
church  woman.  Helen  does  not  judge  her,  as 
she  knows  nothing  of  the  pains  she  had  to  bear; 
but  has  been  told  her  children  compelled  a  sepa- 
ration from  Mr.  Hilton. 

Selina  Eastleigh,  March  Ketchum,  who  is  her 
constant  attendant,  says:  "Selina  got  the  old 
man  under  her  thumb;  he  dare  not  squirm. 


304  HILTON   HALL 

She  even  times  him  when  he  asks  permission  to 
leave  the  house,  and  I  have  never  known  him  to 
extend  the  time  one  minute.  She  has  everything 
in  her  own  hands,  by  the  advice  cf  her  able 
lawyers,  who  told  her  that  her  safest  plan  was  to 
secure  all  his  money  and  property,  and  get  it  out 
of  New  York  and  New  Hampshire  ere  Mr.  Hilton 
"shuffles  off  this  mortal  coil."  She  just  hates  his 
nasty  little  New  Hampshire  home,  and  she  won't 
stay  there  after  his  death.  She  means  to  have 
a  lovely  time  then.  "Perhaps;  but  there  are 
breakers  ahead.  " 

Sidney  Gray  was  wicked  to  the  last  day  of  his 
life.  He  became  poor,  went  South,  married  a 
beautiful  heiress.  Now  a  handsome  monument 
marks  the  spot  where  he  "rests  from  his  labor." 

Helen.  It  is  useless,  after  twenty-eight  years 
of  war,  to  claim  she  is  without  a  scar,  or  has  been 
compensated.  But  no  matter  how  the  waves  over- 
whelmed her,  God  never  forsook  her. 

Donnallen  Hilton  said  he  was  traveling 
through  Utah  and  saw  Helen.  She  was  the 
sweetest  gfrl  he  ever  met,  and  his  whole  soul 
went  out  to  her.  He  knew  she  had  been  care- 
fully raised,  knowing  no  more  of  his  evil  life  than 
a  baby.  She  would  probably  marry  some  Mor- 
mon. He  might  as  well  have  her.  Why  not? 
So  he  snared  the  bird,  to  find  he  had  missed  his 
reckoning;  for  purity  and  sin  werei**tompatible; 
and  the  memory  of  it  all  had  been  to  him  "A 
Thorn  in  the  Flesh." 


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